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Two associations are vying for Heidenheim’s rising star Paul Wanner. A choice for a national team has not yet been made.
Heidenheim – Paul Wanner is the focus of two national teams. Both Germany and Austria are vying for the services of the young midfielder, who attracted attention with strong performances on the first two match days of the new Bundesliga season.
DFB fights for top talent
Wanner, who is on loan from FC Bayern Munich for 1. FC Heidenheim, has already scored four goals and assisted two more. His performances have played a key role in Heidenheim currently being at the top of the Bundesliga table after two wins from two games. However, the 18-year-old has not yet decided on a national team.
The German U21 head coach Antonio Di Salvo has already nominated Wanner several times. “The fact is that he has chosen Germany for now. Everything else doesn’t count for me,” said Di Salvo in a press conference. National coach Julian Nagelsmann also praised Wanner’s potential: “He is a player with a lot of potential and speed, who we at the DFB have firmly in our plans.”
Paul Wanner is currently in top form. © IMAGO/Eduard Martin
On the other hand, the Austrian Football Association has also expressed its interest in Wanner. Ralf Rangnick, coach of the senior national team, has already held talks with Wanner. “The ÖFB tried very hard, I had good talks with coach Ralf Rangnick and his assistant Lars Kornetka. I really appreciate that,” Wanner said some time ago in an interview with the Sports Image.
Will Wanner play for Germany or Austria?
Wanner is initially concentrating on consistently delivering good performances in the Bundesliga. “I would have nominated him,” revealed Di Salvo, “but it was Paul’s wish to remain stable and establish himself in the Bundesliga due to the strain of the last few weeks.” The 18-year-old has dual citizenship and could therefore easily play for Germany and Austria.
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A decision in favour of Germany would secure another talented player for the DFB for the future and further strengthen the association’s youth work. On the other hand, a decision in favour of Austria could give the ÖFB an enormous boost and significantly strengthen Ralf Rangnick’s team. “He is a really interesting player with a lot of potential, a lot of speed, good timing in the final pass and a very good finish,” enthused Nagelsmann. (smr)
