USMNT rumors: Balogun to Palace, Bocanegra to Rangers, Reynolds to MLS
Balogun #Balogun
Today’s USMNT rumors include Folarin Balogun being linked with Crystal Palace. Carlos Bocanegra has been interviewed by Rangers to become their director of football and there are MLS teams interested in Bryan Reynolds.
USMNT rumors: Folarin Balogun to Crystal Palace
Most of the interest in Folarin Balogun this summer has come from clubs in Serie A. However, the Arsenal forward is now being linked with another team in the Premier League.
Express Sport has reported that “Crystal Palace have now entered the race for the Hale End academy graduate and have asked for information on the prolific forward.
“Yet unfortunately for the Eagles, they are not alone and although there have been no formal bids at this moment in time, Balogun is not expected to be short of offers this summer.”
If Balogun does get a move to Palace and performs in English soccer’s top flight then he would prove that Gareth Southgate was wrong not to call him up for England. Balogun now represents the USMNT and made his debut against Mexico this week.
Balogun did not get on the scoresheet against El Tri but his replacement Ricardo Pepi did. The Stars and Stripes play Canada today in the Nations League final.
USMNT rumors: Carlos Bocanegra to Rangers
Former USMNT defender Carlos Bocanegra has worked as Technical Director for Atlanta United since 2015. The team has been successful whilst he has been at the club, winning MLS Cup in 2018 and the U.S. Open Cup the following year.
Altlanta has also developed a lot of talented players in recent years. Miguel Almiron now stars for Newcastle United in the Premier League and they currently have Thiago Almada in their ranks. Almada won the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar last year and he has been linked with some of Europe’s top sides.
It might be time for Bocanegra to embark on a new challenge. The Athletic (subscription required) has revealed that he “has been interviewed by Rangers for the club’s vacant director of football role.” Rangers are one of Bocanegra’s former clubs, so he knows Ibrox well.
There could be a significant American contingent at Rangers next season with Malik Tillman potentially joining the club on a permanent basis. Arsenal’s Aston Trusty has also been linked with the Gers.
USMNT rumors: Bryan Reynolds to MLS
Bryan Reynolds of AS Roma has been linked with West Ham United recently. So it has come as a bit of a surprise that Will Forbes has said that “I am told 3 MLS teams are interested and working on getting USMNT Bryan Reynolds on loan from Roma. The American right back is very open to a return to MLS.”
Reynolds is formerly of FC Dallas and spent last season on loan at Westerlo in Belgium from Roma. With West Ham interested in the player, it would be seen as a step backward if he returns to North America. He would likely be sent out on loan by the Hammers but they would probably prefer him to stay in Europe.