We can expect to see some new faces with the Canadian men’s team according to OneSoccer commentator Gareth Wheeler, who revealed updates on the status of several dual-nationals on on Wednesday. Wheeler touched base with Canadian coach John Herdman, who offered updates on seven players who have the option to play for Canada and other nations: Theo Corbeanu (Romania), Ferdi Kadioglu (Turkey), Omar Marmoush (Egypt), Dominik Yankov (Bulgaria), Ricardo Ferreira (Portugal), Martin Amuz (Uruguay), and Ayo Akinola (United States and Nigeria). RELATED READING: 5 CPLers who could feature in a rotated CanMNT Gold Cup squad
Expected to join: Theo Corbeanu
This Hamilton native and Wolverhampton Wanderers youth product looks poised to join Canada. A towering forward with a massive upside, Corbeanu could be an important addition to Canada’s attack – the 18-year-old seems like a logical second-or-third option for the No. 9 role in the coming years.
Maybe: Ayo Akinola of Toronto FC
"Positive conversations" have been had between Herdman and Toronto FC’s red-hot striker, with Herdman reportedly suggesting there are signs pointing towards an appearance for Canada in the near future. Akinola is also eligible to play for the United States (he has represented the U.S. at youth level) and Nigeria. He's had a promising start to his club career, with seven MLS goals in 20-odd appearance before the age of 21. Akinola could be Canada’s most-promising attacking prospect, which makes his potential choice to join Herdman over Nigeria and the U.S. even more mouth-watering.
Expected to join: Dominik Yankov
The Ludogorets attacker has reportedly pledged his national team allegiance to Canada. Wheeler revealed the 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been targeted by Herdman after making over a dozen first-team appearances with the Bulgarian club. Previously Yankov suggested he’d play for the first national team to contact him, and it looks like Herdman picked up the phone first. A technically-astute player, Yankov offers something Canada’s top central midfielders lack: quick feet and a dribble-to-create mentality. Not exactly first-team material right away, but he could prove a massive capture for Canada in two or three years.
No or not yet: Ferdi Kadioglu & Omar Marmoush
Two promising young players have said "thanks, but no thanks" according to Wheeler. Kadioglu, 20, has 32 appearances for Fenerbahçe in the Turkish top-tier since 2018. The winger has a Canadian-born mother, a connection deemed too thin, at least for now. Marmoush, 21, has earned first-team appearances with Wolfsburg after a successful run with the club’s second team. Eligible for Egypt and Canada, the Cairo-born winger is committed to playing for Egypt at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics and potentially with the senior team. Wheeler revealed Canada is "very much his second" choice. Losing out on these two youngsters will sting for Herdman, Kadioglu especially so. While a long shot, the Fenerbahçe product would be a perfect addition to Canada’s youthful revolution. Same goes for Marmoush, who you can’t blame for wanting to stick with an Olympics-bound Egypt.
Maybe: Ricardo Ferreira
A name you’ve likely heard before, the 27-year-old centre back from Mississauga chose Portugal over Canada a few years ago. With one cap to his name, Ferreira, who joined Portuguese top-flight side Farense on Wednesday, is still eligible for a one-time switch to the Canadian men’s team. Ferreira hasn’t closed the door to Canada, according to Wheeler. Where would Ferreira slot into Canada’s centre back depth chart? Well, pretty high. For context, fellow Canadian-Portuguese defender Steven Vitoria is playing at a similar level and could very well land a starting job in Canada’s defence next spring. Could we see two Portuguese-bred central defenders in Canada’s backline in 2021?
Expected to join: Martin Amuz
Sticking with centre backs, Herdman is expecting Amuz "to join up with a Canada camp soon," according to Wheeler. The 23-year-old has emerged as a starter for Uruguayan top-tier side Danubio, making 10 appearances in the Clausura season. Any centre back is a good centre back for Canada’s depth chart. More scouting will be required from Herdman as Armuz didn’t play for Canada at youth level.
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Expected to join: Theo Corbeanu
This Hamilton native and Wolverhampton Wanderers youth product looks poised to join Canada. A towering forward with a massive upside, Corbeanu could be an important addition to Canada’s attack – the 18-year-old seems like a logical second-or-third option for the No. 9 role in the coming years.
Maybe: Ayo Akinola of Toronto FC
"Positive conversations" have been had between Herdman and Toronto FC’s red-hot striker, with Herdman reportedly suggesting there are signs pointing towards an appearance for Canada in the near future. Akinola is also eligible to play for the United States (he has represented the U.S. at youth level) and Nigeria. He's had a promising start to his club career, with seven MLS goals in 20-odd appearance before the age of 21. Akinola could be Canada’s most-promising attacking prospect, which makes his potential choice to join Herdman over Nigeria and the U.S. even more mouth-watering.
Expected to join: Dominik Yankov
The Ludogorets attacker has reportedly pledged his national team allegiance to Canada. Wheeler revealed the 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been targeted by Herdman after making over a dozen first-team appearances with the Bulgarian club. Previously Yankov suggested he’d play for the first national team to contact him, and it looks like Herdman picked up the phone first. A technically-astute player, Yankov offers something Canada’s top central midfielders lack: quick feet and a dribble-to-create mentality. Not exactly first-team material right away, but he could prove a massive capture for Canada in two or three years.
No or not yet: Ferdi Kadioglu & Omar Marmoush
Two promising young players have said "thanks, but no thanks" according to Wheeler. Kadioglu, 20, has 32 appearances for Fenerbahçe in the Turkish top-tier since 2018. The winger has a Canadian-born mother, a connection deemed too thin, at least for now. Marmoush, 21, has earned first-team appearances with Wolfsburg after a successful run with the club’s second team. Eligible for Egypt and Canada, the Cairo-born winger is committed to playing for Egypt at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics and potentially with the senior team. Wheeler revealed Canada is "very much his second" choice. Losing out on these two youngsters will sting for Herdman, Kadioglu especially so. While a long shot, the Fenerbahçe product would be a perfect addition to Canada’s youthful revolution. Same goes for Marmoush, who you can’t blame for wanting to stick with an Olympics-bound Egypt.
Maybe: Ricardo Ferreira
A name you’ve likely heard before, the 27-year-old centre back from Mississauga chose Portugal over Canada a few years ago. With one cap to his name, Ferreira, who joined Portuguese top-flight side Farense on Wednesday, is still eligible for a one-time switch to the Canadian men’s team. Ferreira hasn’t closed the door to Canada, according to Wheeler. Where would Ferreira slot into Canada’s centre back depth chart? Well, pretty high. For context, fellow Canadian-Portuguese defender Steven Vitoria is playing at a similar level and could very well land a starting job in Canada’s defence next spring. Could we see two Portuguese-bred central defenders in Canada’s backline in 2021?
Expected to join: Martin Amuz
Sticking with centre backs, Herdman is expecting Amuz "to join up with a Canada camp soon," according to Wheeler. The 23-year-old has emerged as a starter for Uruguayan top-tier side Danubio, making 10 appearances in the Clausura season. Any centre back is a good centre back for Canada’s depth chart. More scouting will be required from Herdman as Armuz didn’t play for Canada at youth level.
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