Folarin Balogun’s transfer from England to the United States has been approved by fifa.
The 21-year-old striker, who played for the US at under-18 level before switching allegiance to England, can represent any country as he was born in Brooklyn, New York but moved to London when he was two years. He is also eligible to represent Nigeria.
FIFA rules allow players to change national eligibility before making a competitive appearance at the international level.
Balogun has spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Reims from Arsenalscoring 19 times in 34 league games.
was called to EnglandSub-21 call for the matches in March against France and Germany but withdrew due to a hamstring injury.
Balogun traveled to Orlando, where the US was training, during the international window. Interim USA coach Anthony Hudson admitted that there had been “discussions” with the striker during the international break in March, adding that it was “an opportunity to share about our program.”
GO DEEPER
Folarin Balogun’s Orlando Journey of Intrigue: A Complete Timeline
Speaking after announcing his squad for March internationals, England manager Gareth Southgate said Balogun would have to be patient regarding a call-up to the senior squad.
“It’s up to the player to weigh where his heart feels,” Southgate said. “Is he prepared to wait a bit for an opportunity if he gets behind it and feels like he can work his way up our team? Because anyone who has followed us will know that we will give young players a chance.
“So, we can’t go and call someone up to the first team just because we don’t want them to go somewhere else.”
Balogun made four appearances for the US under-18 team in 2018, before representing England at various youth levels.
The US is next in action on June 16 when they face Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League. The CONCACAF Gold Cup, which takes place in the US, takes place between June 24 and July 16.
GO DEEPER
What the breakup of Folarin Balogun means for his international future
(Photo: Getty Images)
