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The USMNT is close to losing a trio of talented prospects to their biggest rival.
USMNT to lose prospects Diego Luna, Brian Gutiérrez and Jonathan Gómez to Mexico
Diego Luna, Brian Gutiérrez and Jonathan Gómez, some of the most promising young prospects in U.S. Soccer, are close to officially choosing to play for the Mexican national team at the senior level over the U.S. men’s national team, despite representing the USMNT at the youth level.
According to Jovenes Futbolistas MX — one of the most trusted sources when it comes to Mexican player transfers and inside information — these three players are closer to making the switch from the United States to Mexico than ever before.
Diego Luna , Brian Gutiérrez & Jonathan Gómez close to joining Mexico https://t.co/DNOHRzhJGT
— Edgar Moreno (@ConcacafEdgar) July 7, 2024
Gómez (20) currently a player of LaLiga's Real Sociedad, would have declined the offer from the USMNT to play in the Olympics despite the green light from his club.
Luna (20) currently playing for Real Salt Lake, would be leaning towards a career with El Tri after the constant 'neglect' from the United States at the national level. He was reportedly cut from the U.S. men’s Olympic soccer team for Paris 2024.
Brian Gutiérrez (21) currently at Chicago Fire, has been heavily linked to a move to Liga MX’s Chivas, with a “One Time Switch” or FIFA’s official document that allows players to play with a national team despite appearing for another in the past, aligning with the club’s ‘Mexican-only’ roster policy.
This ‘dispute’ between both national teams for a Mexican-American player would be the latest since those of Alejandro Zendejas and Brandon Vázquez, with both choosing to represent the USMNT after months of talks with both federations. Though, without many caps with the United States since making the official switch.
Both players, who have had remarkable seasons with their clubs in Liga MX, were snubbed from Gregg Berhalter’s official 26-man 2024 Copa América roster and were not considered for one of the three overage spots allowed for national teams at the Paris Olympics.
Their only official international tournament call-ups have come in the 2023 Gold Cup, with the United States taking a team primarily composed of MLS players to the tournament.
Zendejas' and Vazquez's lack of appearances for the USMNT could be a big factor in Gómez, Luna and Gutierrez's cases — with all three potentially considering their possibilites at making Mexico's upcoming 2026 World Cup squad larger than those with the U.S. men's national team.
