U.S. Soccer is in “open dialogue” with Folarin Balogun, according to U.S. men’s national team interim coach Anthony Hudson.
The Arsenal striker has been a revelation this season on loan with Reims, scoring 16 goals in Ligue 1.
Balogun’s performance in France has led to plenty of speculation over his future, both for club and country.
The New York-born striker is eligible to represent the USMNT, Nigeria and England, and has played for both the U.S. and England at the youth international level.
Most recently, Balogun has been involved in England’s U-21 setup, while he reportedly turned down a senior call from Nigeria this month.
Hudson told reporters on Wednesday that he and U.S. Soccer officials have been in communication with the on-demand striker, though he would not elaborate any further.
“With Flo, all I’ll say is that there is open dialogue with him and his team, and that dialogue is continuing,” Hudson said. “That’s all I can say on that one.”
Hudson spoke in general terms about the federation’s efforts to recruit dual-national players, which paid off this week when Alex Zendejas committed to the USMNT over Mexico.
“It’s been really important to make sure we’re doing all we can to engage with [dual-nationals] and if there are any out there that can help the team, we need need to connect and engage … and try to encourage them,” Hudson said. “We need to show them what we’re doing, and hopefully get guys to come and commit to us.”
U.S. Soccer’s recruiting efforts could, however, be hampered by the absence of a permanent USMNT head coach and general manager, as well as a U.S. Soccer sporting director.
U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone has said she hopes to have a sporting director in place before the start of the World Cup in July, which would be followed by a permanent USMNT head coach.
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