Media: Nketiah Could Switch Allegiance to Ghana, Player Has Begun Preparing Relevant Documents

On September 10, according to an exclusive report from Ghanaian media outlet GhanaSoccernet, Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah is close to completing a national team allegiance switch from England to Ghana. The relevant application documents are currently being prepared and will subsequently be submitted to FIFA for review.

It is reported that the 27-year-old Nketiah has made significant progress in changing his national team allegiance, with the relevant documents currently being organized for FIFA consideration.

Due to his family background, Nketiah has always had the possibility of representing Ghana, and Ghanaian officials had previously contacted him regarding the matter.

If the switch is ultimately completed, it would undoubtedly be a major boost for the Ghana national team, which is continuing to strengthen its attacking options.

Nketiah has recently recovered from injury and has gradually become an important player under new Crystal Palace head coach Pierre Sage.

In Crystal Palace's 3-2 comeback win over Fulham on September 5, Nketiah started and assisted Tyrick Mitchell's goal, which was the team's first goal of the match.

Although Nketiah has represented England at senior level, according to relevant FIFA regulations he is still eligible to change his association because he has only made one senior appearance, and that sole appearance came in an unofficial match.

Nketiah made his senior international debut in England's friendly match against Australia in October 2023 and has not been selected for the England senior team since then.

However, a player's official change of association must be approved by FIFA before he can represent the new national team. FIFA regulations also state that while the application is under review, the player cannot represent either the original national team or the new national team in matches.

Nketiah has had impressive performances in England's youth teams, especially with the U21 side, where he became England U21's all-time leading scorer with 16 goals.

As he has never fully established himself in England's senior team, the possibility of Nketiah representing Ghana has always existed, although there had been considerable uncertainty surrounding his international future in the past.

Ghana has been interested in Nketiah for many years. In June this year, Nketiah's father confirmed that Ghana's sports ministry officials and other relevant parties had previously contacted his family in hopes of encouraging the forward to represent the Black Stars.

If FIFA ultimately approves Nketiah's change of allegiance, he will add an experienced attacking player to Ghana's squad and bring an end to the long-running discussion over his senior international future.

Once the allegiance switch is officially approved, Nketiah will become eligible to appear for the Ghana national team.

As of now, Nketiah has made three appearances for Crystal Palace this season and has provided one assist.