Hudson-Odoi and Tariq Lamptey considering switching allegiance to feature for Ghana in Qatar World Cup
Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi is weighing up international interest from Ghana with the Black Stars hoping to persuade the Chelsea winger and Tariq Lamptey to switch allegiance from England ahead of the World Cup, according to English newspaper Daily Mail.
Hudson-Odoi is said to be ‘considering’ the switch ahead of the World Cup in November.
With the World Cup on the horizon, the Black Stars could look to build up their squad and Ghana FA communications director Henry Asante Twum revealed the side will pursue the Premier League pair if regulations permit it.
‘If it is that we wake up tomorrow and the new coach of the Black Stars wants Tariq [Lamptey], Hudson-Odoi, whoever is available, we will look at the regulations and the possibility of getting them,’ he told Citi TV. ‘If it is within our reach, we pursue it.
‘The new law for nationality switch is that you should be three years from your last game [from the association you want to switch from], so it means that if today, Hudson-Odoi played for England three years ago, we will look at the month [in which] he played, and if it is exactly two years, he has every right to switch nationality.’
Earlier this year, Hudson-Odoi met with Ghana technical advisor and former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton with his parents in Acca to discuss his international future.
He has also travelled to the country twice over the past year and met national president Nana Akufo-Addo, GFA president Kurt Okraku and minister for sports Mustapha Ussif.
Meanwhile, Lamptey has not received a call up to Gareth Southgate’s senior England side but has represented the Three Lions at under-21 level.
‘The new law for nationality switch is that you should be three years from your last game [from the association you want to switch from], so it means that if today, Hudson-Odoi played for England three years ago, we will look at the month [in which] he played, and if it is exactly two years, he has every right to switch nationality.’
Earlier this year, Hudson-Odoi met with Ghana technical advisor and former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton with his parents in Acca to discuss his international future.
He has also travelled to the country twice over the past year and met national president Nana Akufo-Addo, GFA president Kurt Okraku and minister for sports Mustapha Ussif.
Meanwhile, Lamptey has not received a call up to Gareth Southgate’s senior England side but has represented the Three Lions at under-21 level.