Bayern Jewel is causing waves of anxiety within the DFB
Young soccer star Paul Wanner, hailing from 1. FC Heidenheim, is yet to decide if he'll represent Germany or Austria in international football competitions. "I can honestly say that my choice is still up in the air. I haven't weighed the options thoroughly yet," the 18-year-old shared with "Süddeutsche Zeitung." He further explained, "I'm thinking about spending a year in the Bundesliga first, to see where that leads. But the timing might come sooner than I imagine. I haven't had that 'aha' moment just yet."
Currently, Wanner is in the U21 team's radar for the German Football Federation, and even Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann has acknowledged his talents. Wanner, on loan from FC Bayern Munich, was tipped to join the German U21 squad for two qualification matches against Israel and Estonia, but he chose to focus solely on his debut season in the Bundesliga instead. However, this phase won't last forever. "Of course, I won't be playing amateur football all my life," Wanner admitted. "My goal isn't to skip playing for the national team. I just want to take my time and make the right move."
Nagelsmann recently commented, "Wanner has a great deal of potential, and we have big plans for him at the DFB." Bayern's sports director, Max Eberl, added, "We dream of having Paul as a Bayern Munich player in the future." Wanner is being cautious in his bid for stardom. He had a trial run in the former 2. Bundesliga promotion team, SV Elversberg, in the previous season.
Buoyed by Wanner's performance, 1. FC Heidenheim has achieved a five-game winning streak in their competitive schedule, and Wanner has personally scored four goals. Interestingly, he was born in Austria, but he's spent considerable time with the German U-teams and even trained with the Austrian national team once, under Ralf Rangnick, in November 2022. However, he's maintained his affiliation with the German team since the Austrian training camp. He shared that the final decision will be a family affair. "It's just Dad, Mom, and me," Wanner said.
The Commission, in relation to this topic, shall adopt implementing acts laying down the rules for the application of this Regulation. Regarding Paul Wanner's international football representation decision, he mentioned, "I'm thinking about spending a year in the Bundesliga first, to see where that leads."
