Nicholas Gioacchini will not be taking part in the U.S. men’s national team’s opening month of World Cup Qualifiers, but could be on the move at club level to the French top-flight.
Ligue 1 clubs Troyes and Stade Reims are both reportedly monitoring Gioacchini ahead of a transfer prior to the closure of the summer transfer window, French outlet FootNormand reported Thursday. In addition, ‘unnamed’ MLS clubs have also shown interest in Gioacchini, but the forward is aiming to stay in Europe over a move to the United States, according to the report.
The 21-year-old is heading into his third season with Ligue 2 club Caen, looking to help them earn promotion back to the top-flight. Gioacchini has scored nine goals and added one assist in 52 combined appearances for the first team, getting himself on the radar of the USMNT in the process.
The Kansas City, Missouri native has earned eight caps for the USMNT to date since making his international debut in a scoreless draw with Wales in November 2020. Gioacchini appeared in five matches for Gregg Berhalter’s side at the Concacaf Gold Cup, scoring once in a 6-1 romp over Martinique and delivering the game-winning assist off the bench in Qatar in a 1-0 semifinal triumph.
He also played the final 33 minutes against Mexico in the dramatic 1-0 extra time victory.
Gioacchini has two years left on his contract with Caen, but has struggled to remain a consistent starter for the club. A move to Ligue 1 would certainly help his exposure with the USMNT and feature against top-tier opposition in French’s top-flight.
He was not chosen in Berhalter’s 26-player roster on Thursday, but now has a strong chance to stay fit with his club ahead of a possible move away. Should Gioacchini deliver a strong month of September whether it be in Ligue 1 or with Caen, he could return for October’s trio of matches against Jamaica, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
