Forward Eddie Nketiah close to Ghana switch from England as FIFA paperwork prepared

Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah is on the verge of switching his international allegiance from England to Ghana, with paperwork being prepared for submission to FIFA to complete a long-anticipated move to the Black Stars.

The 27-year-old is understood to have made significant progress towards committing his international future to Ghana, with the necessary documentation now being assembled before a formal application is sent to world football's governing body.

Nketiah has been eligible to represent Ghana through his family heritage throughout his career and has previously been approached by Ghanaian football authorities about making the switch.

If approved, his arrival would hand Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz another experienced attacking option as Ghana continue preparations for upcoming international competitions, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Despite making a senior appearance for England, Nketiah remains eligible to change association under FIFA regulations because his only senior cap came in a non-competitive fixture.

The former Arsenal forward made his England debut in a friendly against Australia in October 2023 and has not featured for the Three Lions since.

Under FIFA's rules, players whose senior international appearances have come exclusively in non-competitive matches can apply to switch national teams, provided their request is formally approved.

FIFA also states that players awaiting a decision on a change of association cannot represent either national team until the process has been completed.

Nketiah enjoyed an outstanding career with England's youth sides, particularly at Under-21 level, where he became the Young Lions' all-time leading goalscorer with 16 goals.

However, his inability to establish himself in England's senior squad has kept the prospect of representing Ghana alive.

Interest from Ghana has stretched back several years, and in June Nketiah's father revealed that officials from Ghana's Sports Ministry and other stakeholders had previously held discussions with the family about the striker joining the Black Stars.

The forward heads into the international window in encouraging club form after recovering from a recent knock and becoming a regular under new Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage.

Nketiah started Palace's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Fulham on 5 September, providing the assist for Tyrick Mitchell's opening goal as the Eagles overturned a two-goal deficit.

He has made three appearances for Palace so far this season, contributing one assist, and a successful FIFA approval would make him eligible for immediate selection by Ghana once his change of association is officially ratified.