When the U.S. men’s national team’s Gold Cup roster was announced, one conspicuous absence was Minnesota United’s striker, Christian Ramirez. But if the dual-citizen Ramirez doesn’t get called in by the Yanks, he could get a call-up from his parents’ home country of Colombia.
Since joining MLS in the spring, Ramirez has been a prolific goal-scorer, leading all other Americans in goals (10). Some observers, including Ramirez himself, were hoping that this record would be enough to put to bed doubts about whether he could score goals on a bigger stage than NASL. However, he hasn’t quite earned a U.S. call-up yet, as he missed the call for the Gold Cup roster.
Bruce Arena has been tracking Ramirez and did speak with the club about a call-up. However, Arena opted to give the newly-U.S.-eligible Dom Dwyer a chance in the Gold Cup alongside Jordan Morris and Juan Agudelo.
Recently, Kristian Dyer reported that there has been contact between Ramirez and Colombia, where his parents are from. According to sources FiftyFive.One spoke with, there have been preliminary approaches made and Colombia remains a strong option for Ramirez as he looks to add international experience to his career.
The level of Colombia’s interest in Ramirez is unclear at this point. The Colombians can also boast attacking talent like James Rodriguez, Miguel Borja, and Radamel Falcao.
Whether or not Ramirez gets a call to either national team remains to be seen, but a potential Colombian cap for the striker may put pressure on Arena for a call up during the January “Camp Cupcake” USMNT camp.
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