USMNT news: Balogun to Napoli, Pepi to Feyenoord, injury to Steffen

Today’s USMNT news includes Napoli joining the race to sign Folarin Balogun and Feyenoord has made a bid for Ricardo Pepi. However, it is not all good updates, as Zack Steffen has picked up an injury which will mean he will miss the Nations League. 

USMNT news: Folarin Balogun to Napoli

With the season Folarin Balogun is having for Stade de Reims, the USMNT forward is very much in demand. He has been linked with big teams across Europe with Sky Sports reporting that “a number of clubs are interested – including RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt and Monaco.”

A sensational move to the Italian champions has also been mentioned. According to the Mirror, “Napoli are ready to go head-to-head with AC Milan for Arsenal prospect Folarin Balogun in the summer transfer window.”

A move to Naples would make sense as their current striker, Victor Osimhen, is expected to leave the club this summer. Serie A will also be a step up for Balogun who has scored 20 goals in Ligue 1 this season. The player will likely play his last game for Reims tomorrow against Montpelier.

USMNT news: Feyenoord bid for Pepi

Feyenoord look to be winning the race between them and PSV Eindhoven to sign Ricardo Pepi. Fabrizio Romano has tweeted “(I) understand Feyenoord have submitted an opening bid to sign Ricardo Pepi — negotiations ongoing with Augsburg as club sources confirm. Feyenoord wants to be fast in talks for the USMNT striker as they’re aware of other clubs’ interest.”

Pepi has proved he can perform in the Eredivisie where he scored 12 goals whilst on loan at FC Groningen this season. He has also been included in the Stars and Stripes roster for the Nations League semi-final against Mexico. However, until he is performing in one of Europe’s top five leagues, he will likely remain as a backup to Folarin Balogun.

USMNT news: Zack Steffen’s injury

Zack Steffen has enjoyed a good season on loan at Middlesbrough from Manchester City. Although Boro’s campaign ended in a defeat to Coventry City in the playoffs, Steffen could be proud of his efforts.

As Steffen has had game time this year, he would have been challenging Matt Turner for a starting place in the USMNT squad. Turner has only played in the FA Cup and Europa League this season, as Aaron Ramsdale remains the first-choice at Arsenal.

Unfortunately for Steffen, he has picked up an injury and Steven Goff reported “Steffen undergoes knee scope to clean out meniscus damage he suffered early last season and had to manage all year, I’m told. Out 3-4 months, which postpones decision on loan destination from Man City.”

Steffen had been linked with a move to the Bundesliga but any transfers will now have to be put on hold.

It is bad news for Steffen but it gives an opportunity to other goalkeepers in the Stars and Stripes squad. Interim manager B.J. Callaghan has named Drake Callendar, Josh Cohen, and Sean Johnson alongside Turner in the Nations League roster.