Former Arsenal academy youngster Yunus Musah, still just 17 years old, will receive a call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team this month.
The Athletic report that Yunus Musah will feature in the United States Men’s National Team squad this month, for their friendly match against Wales.
Musah is also eligible to play for England and Ghana, and this friendly match wouldn’t rule him out for those countries. As long as he doesn’t play a competitive game for any of the three, he can still switch between them.
But it’s clearly a sign that the U.S. team plan to push for the New York-born midfielder. Musah may see more of a pathway to regular international action in America, despite progressing through the England youth setup up to the u18s.
It was a similar story for Musah at club level. After rising through the ranks with Arsenal to the u18s, he saw an opportunity to fast-track himself to senior football by joining Valencia.
Now he’s a regular first-team player at 17, making seven appearances (six starts) already this season and scoring his first goal at the weekend.
Why did Arsenal let Musah go?
The truth is that they didn’t have much choice. Despite giving him his u18 debut at just 14 years old, and making him a regular in the side the following season, Arsenal couldn’t convince Musah to sign with them.
When his contract expired in 2019, there was no way to stop the teenager from moving on. In fairness, he was very complimentary of the club on his departure, saying:
“I cannot express my gratitude to the overwhelming support the club gave me throughout the course of my journey with Arsenal.
“Not a day will pass without remembrance to those who have helped me achieve in my career thus far. A profuse thank you to all of my teammates and staff who have helped consolidate me as a player. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”
Evidently, it was a good decision for Musah to go somewhere they were willing to play him in the senior side so young. Perhaps Arsenal will try to bring him back someday – his current contract expires in 2022.