Gregg Berhalter has recently spoken to FC Midtjylland defensive midfielder Jens Cajuste to gauge the 21-year-old’s interest in a one-time switch to play for the US men’s national team, a source tells MLSsoccer.com.
Brian Sciaretta at American Soccer Now was the first to report the story.
I can confirm Gregg Berhalter has spoken with FC Midtjylland d-mid Jens Cajuste. Cajuste would need to file a 1-time switch to play for the #USMNT. I believe US Soccer is also reexamining the rules to determine if he could play immediately after approval of a switch.
— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) October 9, 2020
Cajuste, who has made three appearances for the Sweden U-21 national team in UEFA Olympic qualifying — could get a closer look at the USMNT setup as early as next month should the team hold a camp in Europe ahead of what will likely be international friendlies during the next FIFA window.
Should Cajuste express the desire to switch and add depth to the defensive midfield position behind Tyler Adams. U.S. Soccer would then need to confirm his eligibility before requesting the change of association with FIFA.
U.S. Soccer is already familiar with Cajuste, who was born in Sweden to a Haitian-American father and a Swedish mother, with then U-20 national team coach Tab Ramos expressing interest last year.