The next Mazas & Uzuns? These German gems could switch national teams

With Ibrahim Maza and Can Uzun, two top talents have recently decided against staying with the DFB in order to play for other nations.

The same fate could befall Germany with numerous young players. A look at current and former players from the German U21 alone reveals a striking picture. These talents would also have other options besides the DFB.

Brajan Gruda (Brighton & Hove Albion)

The midfielder has made 19 appearances for the German U21 national team and was even allowed to join the senior national team as a guest player for preparations ahead of the home Euro 2024. Due to his parents’ heritage, he could also play for Albania.

Bright Arrey‑Mbi (SC Braga)

He was a key player for Germany at the U21 Euro in Slovakia and made a total of 17 appearances for the U21s. One of the few players who has already played for two associations at youth level. He played for England’s U15s and then for the DFB’s youth teams.

Nelson Weiper (Mainz 05)

The striker has 15 appearances and five goals for the German U21 team. Albania has already approached the 20-year-old several times. Should his dream of making the senior national team not come true, Weiper has an alternative up his sleeve.

Paul Wanner (PSV)

The young player has five appearances for Germany’s U21. Since he was born in Austria, the Austrian national team with coach Ralf Rangnick would also be an option for him. «I can clearly say that my decision is still open. I haven’t decided anything yet,» Wanner emphasized in an interview with the ‘Süddeutsche Zeitung’.

Mert Kömür (FC Augsburg)

So far, he has made two appearances for the German U21. The Turkish association would love to have him, but currently the Augsburg shooting star tends to stay with the DFB. He has played for all of the DFB’s youth teams.

Nicolò Tresoldi (Club Brugge)

The striker has played 20 games for Germany U21 and scored nine goals. At Club Brugge, he is also making a name for himself in the Champions League. Since he was born in Italy, he could also choose to play for the Squadra Azzurra.

Ansgar Knauff (Eintracht Frankfurt)

His last international match was the final of the U21 Euro last summer. In total, he has 30 international appearances for Germany’s U21. A switch to the Ghana national team would theoretically be possible, but for the native of Göttingen, this is reportedly not an option.

Mio Backhaus (Werder Bremen)

He, too, has already played for two associations. Werder’s number one guarded the goal for Japan’s U15s and then for Germany. The Japanese association is said to be making a strong effort to secure the 21-year-old’s services. In an interview with ‘Bild’, the Mönchengladbach native explained, however, that even if he were offered a spot at the World Cup, he would not necessarily turn away from the DFB: «I wouldn’t let myself be lured by that. If I don’t feel the decision, I would decline.»

Joshua Quarshie (FC Southampton)

He is in the current squad for Germany’s U21 during this international break, but could just as easily play for Ghana. The Black Stars, under coach Otto Addo, had already reached out to the Union striker in November 2024. Here, a switch of association could even mean World Cup participation, since unlike Germany, Ghana has already secured its World Cup ticket.

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Noël Aséko (Hannover 96)

The midfielder is also in the current squad of the German U21 team. Alternatively, the Hannover player could also play for Equatorial Guinea. Is he tempted by the prospect of participating in the Africa Cup at the beginning of next year?

Muhammed Damar (Hoffenheim)

The central midfielder is part of the German U21 squad. According to ‘Sky’, national coach Vincenzo Montella has recently contacted the youngster again to convince him to switch to the Turkish association.

Arijon Ibrahimović (1. FC Heidenheim)

The Bayern loanee is part of the German youth national teams. In his case, a switch to the Kosovo association is even considered realistic.

Ilyas Ansah (Union Berlin)

Recently ended Bayern’s monster streak with the Köpenickers and is in high demand. Not only on the transfer market, but also with the Ghanaian association.

Dženan Pejčinović (VfL Wolfsburg)

He was still playing for Montenegro’s youth national team at U15 level. Afterwards, he switched to the German association. Given the striker question in the senior national team, another switch could make sense.

Dennis Seimen (SC Paderborn)

The young goalkeeper is in Antonio Di Salvo’s squad for the German U21 team. The loan spell in Paderborn has already paid off for his development. Would a switch to the Romanian association do the same?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

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