Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton, has affirmed that discussions are in progress to persuade Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi and Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah to change their nationalities to represent Ghana.
In what appears to be an extended dialogue about their nationality switch, Hughton elaborated that the players have provided compelling justifications during the numerous conversations held with them.
“We have been in contact with them not only on my time but I think before. I think it is a process and ultimately it will be about both of them making that decision that they want to play. But we have been in good dialog with them and some of it(reason) I think it’s understandable.”
While giving an account on Hudson-Odoi, he said the player played fewer games last season and is hopeful that they will reopen and speed up a conversation if Odoi settles at a new club this season.
“Two very good players. Hudson-Odi I think probably last season he didn’t play the amount of games he would’ve loved to play and it is more down to the system- three at the back.
“It looks like even if he was going to play he would have played mostly as a wingback. So hopefully wherever he goes this season, (he will) play regularly and maybe we would get the process going again,” he said.
The two Ghanaians born in the UK were reportedly on the verge of changing their nationality to Ghana, but the process encountered obstacles.
Amidst the speculations, Eddie Nketiah visited Ghana and obtained his Ghanaian passport.
On the other hand, Callum Hudson-Odoi is believed to be focusing on establishing his club career and regaining his form before finalizing his decision.
Both players have been on the Ghana Football Association‘s radar since 2020.