I approached Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah and Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi over Ghana switch, reveals Chris Hughton

Chris Hughton, the current manager of the Ghana national team, has revealed that he has spoken to Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi about the possibility of switching their international allegiance to Ghana. Both players have previously represented England at various levels, with Hudson-Odoi even earning caps at the senior level.

Hughton, who has been in charge of the African side since February, understands the dilemma faced by players who have dual nationalities, as he himself had to make a similar decision in the past. He explained, “These are two players that have represented England at quite a few of the underage teams. So some of it is understandable. We have been in contact with them, not just in my time, I think from before as well. It is a process. But ultimately it will be about both of them making that decision that they want to play, but we have had good dialogue with them.”

Hudson-Odoi, who made his England debut at the age of 18, has long been linked with a potential switch to Ghana. However, his progress has been hampered by an ACL injury, which has limited his first-team opportunities at both club and national level. On the other hand, Nketiah recently signed a new contract with Arsenal and is seen as a backup striker for Gabriel Jesus under Mikel Arteta.

It remains to be seen whether Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi will choose to represent Ghana in the future, but Hughton’s discussions with them indicate that the possibility is being explored. The decision ultimately lies with the players themselves, and Hughton respects their right to make that choice.
Two of English football’s most promising young stars, Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi, were discussed as potential additions to Ghana’s national team by Brighton and Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton.

Hughton, a former Republic of Ireland international, revealed that he has held discussions with Arsenal’s Nketiah and Chelsea’s Hudson-Odoi over the possibility of the two representing Ghana at international level.

Nketiah has made 23 appearances for Arsenal since his debut in 2017 and has featured in both the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League. The 21-year old is yet to make a senior appearance for England and is eligible to play for Ghana as he has a Ghanaian father.

Hudson-Odoi, who is 19-years old, has already made 19 appearances for the England senior team, despite near 131 appearances in his career for Chelsea. Prior to making his England debut last year, he was on the brink of joining Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. The teenager also has family links to Ghana which sees him also eligible to play for the country.

Hughton revealed that he had discussions with the two stars but conceded that he was unsure as to what they had decided on.

The Ghana Football Association have been increasingly attempting to lure British-based talent who are eligible for their national team in recent times. Arsenal’s Benrahma Maitland-Niles is another player who has been linked with making the switch.

Hughton’s comments will leave both Arsenal and Chelsea fans wondering if the pair may make the move in the future. Neither seem to have a guaranteed spot in the starting line-up of their respective club teams and could be tempted with International ambitions.