Could the USMNT lose Jonathan Gonzalez to Mexico?

A tug-of-war battle is ensuing between the United States and Mexico over 18-year-old Monterrey midfielder Jonathan Gonzalez. According to an ESPN report, El Tri is considering calling Gonzalez up for a January 31st friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The U.S. youth international has represented the United States since the U-14 level, including most recently the CONCACAF U-20 Championship. A dual national, Gonzalez would have to apply for a one-time switch to compete for Mexico. Still, Gonzalez has been with Monterrey since he was 14, and he has been tearing up Liga MX this season. He was recently named to the 2017 Apertura Liga MX Best XI. Having the 18-year-old Gonzalez switch from the USMNT to Mexico could possibly see Gonzalez compete for a spot on the 23-man El Tri roster that goes to Russia this summer for the World Cup.

Further making USMNT fans cringe is Gonzalez saying a few days ago that the USMNT did not call him about a call-up for their friendly against Portugal in November. It was widely reported that the USMNT considered Gonzalez but decided not to call him up due to Monterrey’s playoff schedule. Gonzalez said he didn’t get that call. That, coupled with the fact that the USMNT cannot cap-tie Gonzalez until possibly the 2019 Gold Cup means that every bit of news that links Jonathan Gonzalez to Mexico will only make us wonder what he will decide.

The USMNT January Camp roster will be announced on Monday at noon, so that will likely shed some light on whether Jonathan Gonzalez will remain in the United States player pool, but until then, fans just hope Mexico doesn’t beat the USMNT to the punch.