USMNT news: Leipzig hit Balogun up, Dest gets call up, Steffen opens up

This week’s USMNT news roundup includes Folarin Balogun being linked with a move to RB Leipzig. Sergino Dest is a notable inclusion in Anthony Hudson’s roster to face Mexico and Zack Steffen opens up on missing out on Qatar.    

USMNT news: Leipzig interested in Balogun

Folarin Balogun who is still yet to commit to representing the USMNT has been linked with a transfer to RB Leipzig. According to Florian Plettenberg, “The 21 y/o is on the shortlist of Leipzig confirmed! In order to replace Nkunku. RB has inquired about him. The striker from Stade Reims will be cheaper than (Jonathan) David. Therefore very interesting for Leipzig. Many clubs are in!”

The forward has also been linked with Bayern Munich and AC Milan. His form for Stade de Reims of 18 goals in 29 appearances has made him an attractive option for top European clubs but he must choose the right club for his development.

His international future is still up in the air and the Daily Mail has reported that “The US are ready to make Folarin Balogun one of their poster boys if he opts to represent them at senior international level.

“He met with Lee Carsley last week, with Balogun part of his plans for this summer’s Euros and the Under-21 boss hoping he can help convince the youngster that his future lies with England.”

If he is to choose to play for the USMNT then he would be their first-choice striker. However, England is the team that he has represented all the way up to the u21 level but would face tough competition with Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins for a starting place.

USMNT news: Dest called up for the Mexico fixture

Sergino Dest was a notable selection for Hudson’s squad to face Mexico on April 20. The squad for this fixture is mostly made up of MLS players but AC Milan has allowed Dest to go with the side. Dest has only made eight Serie A appearances this season and has not featured for the side since January.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that “The plan won’t change: AC Milan will not trigger the buy option clause for Sergiño Dest worth €20m. USMNT fullback will be on his way back to Barcelona. Decision on the next step of his career will be made in the next months.”

The defender has an uncertain future at the club level and he could lose his place in the USMNT starting lineup due to the form of Joe Scally for Borussia Dortmund. However, this game against Mexico is a chance for him to impress and get some rare game time.

USMNT news: Steffen opens up on not going to Qatar

In an interview with ESPN, Zack Steffen spoke openly about his omission from the USMNT roster for the World Cup in Qatar. The goalkeeper said that “It was tough to watch it with family and friends and not be there but that’s football and that’s life and everything happens for a reason.

“I haven’t spoken to Greg since that phone call that said you weren’t going to come. I thought things were different and we were closer but it’s not that way whatever.”

Steffen was included in the squad for the USMNT’s recent Nations League games in March but Matt Turner was between the sticks for both games.