Ghana Renew Push to Land Crystal Palace Striker Eddie Nketiah
Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah is weighing a fresh invitation to represent Ghana at senior international level, with the Black Stars renewing their efforts to secure the former England youth international.
Why the decision matters for Palace and Ghana
| Key detail | Figure or date |
|---|---|
| Nketiah’s age | 27 |
| England senior appearances | 1 |
| England debut | October 2023 |
| Minute introduced against Australia | 73rd |
| Palace league starts this season | 3 |
| Palace v Middlesbrough | 3-0 |
Nketiah was born in Lewisham to Ghanaian parents and is eligible for the country through his family. He previously represented England throughout the youth age groups and remains England Under-21s’ record goalscorer.
His only appearance for England’s senior side came under Gareth Southgate in a Wembley friendly against Australia in October 2023. Nketiah came on for Ollie Watkins in the 73rd minute as England won 1-0.
That match does not prevent a switch of association. FIFA eligibility regulations permit a player to change national team where they have not played more than three competitive senior fixtures before their 21st birthday. Nketiah’s England appearance was in a non-competitive match, leaving him able to accept Ghana’s approach.
Ghana are seeking to strengthen their pool with established Premier League players. Their group already includes Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo and Coventry City midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, and Nketiah would offer another experienced forward option for future qualification fixtures.
For Palace, the international question arrives as Nketiah is building momentum under Pierre Sage. After an injury-hit previous year, he has started each of the club’s opening three Premier League matches this season.
Palace also moved into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, beating Middlesbrough 3-0 at home. The result helped the club respond to an awkward opening to the domestic campaign and gives Sage another competition in which to manage his forward options.
Decision still to come
Nketiah has not made a final commitment. He can join Ghana’s international programme or continue pursuing a return to the England senior squad, with his form at Palace likely to remain central to either route.
