Folarin Balogun is keeping all doors open, including one that could lead him to the U.S. men’s national team.
The Arsenal forward has had an excellent start to his loan to Reims in Ligue 1, posting six goals in his first 10 appearances since making the season-long move to northeastern France.
That will draw plenty of attention, and the England Under-21 — who is also eligible for the USMNT and Nigeria, and has played for the U.S. U-18s in the past — told L’Equipe in an interview that he’s willing to consider all three countries for his international career.
“Just like my future at club level, I am not closing any doors regarding international selection. All options remain open,” said the 21-year-old, whose most recent international appearance involved showing great composure to score for England’s U-21s in a 3-1 win over Germany.
“Above everything, I feel English, but I also have an American side, because I have family in New York and I love going there,” added Balogun, who was born in New York City. “I have my grandmother and cousins in Lagos, even if I haven’t been there since I was very young. My mother sometimes speaks to me in Yoruba and it is important to me.”
At the club level, Balogun has been stellar since making his loan move this summer, and Reims have needed him to be. Factoring in his two assists, he’s been directly involved in eight of the club’s 12 goals this season, as Reims sit one point above the relegation zone.
That shows rapid advancement after a half-season loan to Middlesbrough last season. There, Balogun produced three goals and three assists in 18 appareances in the Championship.
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