USMNT news: Nations League squad, Balogun’s heritage, Leeds’ big game

Today’s USMNT news includes the preliminary roster for the Nations League, Folarin Balogun’s agent gives an insight into his international switch and Brenden Aaronson has been praised ahead of a big game for Leeds United. 

USMNT news: preliminary Nations League roster

The preliminary rosters for the Nations League have been released on the CONCACAF website. USMNT fans will be excited to see Folarin Balogun’s name there along with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah.

There were other notable selections including John Brooks who has not played for the Stars and Stripes since 2021. The injury to Tim Ream could allow Brooks an opportunity to play his first international game in two years.

60 players were announced but the squad will need to be cut down to 23 for the semi-final against Mexico. All eyes will be on Balogun but there could be other players making their debuts including Marlon Fossey of Standard Liege.

USMNT news: Folarin Balogun’s heritage

Folarin Balogun’s agent Eddie Bonsu has given an interview with The Athletic where he explained the player’s decision when switching from England to the USMNT. Bonsu said “His parents had been pushing the U.S. narrative for years. They always wanted him to play for the U.S. For them, you’re American, you were born there. This is where you should be.

“He came back to me and said, ‘Ed, I know what I want to do. I’m going to go play for my country of birth. I feel it more than anything else. This is what I want to do.’ He told them [the FA] he feels like his heart is set on playing for the U.S. He’s very much about that feeling. He said, ‘I feel it. This is where I feel like I need to be.'”

Some fans may be thinking that Balogun only switched because he did not get a call-up for the English senior team. However, this interview shows how strongly Balogun feels about representing the Stars and Stripes.

USMNT news: Massive game for Leeds United

This weekend is a big one for Leeds United, they are currently still in the relegation zone with just two Premier League matches left to play. Unfortunately, Leeds will still be without Tyler Adams who will miss their remaining games this season. However, Weston McKennie and Brenden Aaronson are both available.

The USMNT contingent will all likely leave Elland Road if they are relegated. Adams has shown his quality and will be in demand this summer. McKennie is only on loan from Juventus and has been linked with staying in the Premier League with Brighton.

As for Aaronson, he is the one American player who could possibly play in the Championship next season. Aaronson has been praised by a Leeds United staff member in an article from The Athletic. In the piece, Aaronson is bizarrely described as the “ideal son-in-law.” It goes on to say that he stays behind after training and says that this season has taken an “emotional toll” on the player.