Two talented players, Ibrahim Maza and Can Uzun, recently decided not to remain in the German Football Association to play for other countries.
The same fate could befall Germany with its many young players. A look at current and former Germany U21 players reveals a striking picture. These talents will also have other options outside of the DFB.
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Brian Gruda (Brighton & Hove Albion)
The midfielder made 19 appearances for Germany's under-21 team and was even allowed to join the senior squad as a guest player in preparation for Euro 2024 at home. Thanks to his parents' heritage, he was also able to play for Albania.
Bright Array-Mbi (Braga)
He was a key player for Germany at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia and made a total of 17 appearances for the under-21 team. One of the few players who has already played for two associations at youth level. He played for England under-15s and then for the DFB youth teams.
Nelson Viper (Mainz 05)
The striker has 15 appearances and five goals for the Germany U21 national team. Albania have already approached the 20-year-old on several occasions. If his dream of making the senior national team doesn't come true, Viper has an alternative up his sleeve.
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Paul Wanner (PSV)
The young player has five caps for the Germany U21 national team. Since he was born in Austria, the Austrian national team under coach Ralf Rangnick could also be an option for him. “I can clearly say that my decision is still open. I have not decided anything yet,” Wanner emphasized in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Mert Kömyr (Augsburg)
So far, he has made two appearances for the Germany U21 national team. The Turkish association would like to buy him, but Augsburg's falling star is currently leaning towards remaining in the German Football Association. He played for all DFB youth teams.
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Nicolo Tresoldi (Bruges)
The striker made 20 appearances for the Germany U21 team 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 Knauf (Eintracht Frankfurt)
His last international match was the UEFA European Under-21 Championship final last summer. In total, he has 30 international caps for the Germany U21 team. A move to the Ghana national team would theoretically be possible, but for the Göttingen native it is reportedly not an option.
Mio Backhaus (Werder Bremen)
He, too, has already played for two associations. Werder's first number guarded the gates of the Japanese U15 team, and then the German national team. The Japanese association is said to be making every effort to secure the 21-year-old's services. However, in an interview with Bild, the Mönchengladbach native explained that even if he were offered a place at the World Cup, he would not necessarily refuse the German Football Federation: “I would not allow myself to be seduced by this. If I did not feel a decision, I would refuse.”
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Joshua Quarshie (Southampton)
He is in the current Germany U21 squad during this international break, but could just as easily play for Ghana. The Black Stars, under coach Otto Addo, have already approached the Union striker in November 2024. Here, a change of association could even mean participation in the World Cup, since, unlike Germany, Ghana has already qualified for the World Cup.
📸 Armando Babani – 2025 getmages
Help (Hannover 96)
The midfielder is also part of the current Germany U21 squad. Alternatively, the Hannover player can also play for Equatorial Guinea. Does the prospect of competing in the African Cup of America early next year tempt him?
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Mohamed Damar (Hoffenheim)
The central midfielder plays for the Germany U21 national team. According to Sky, national team coach Vincenzo Montella recently contacted the youngster again to convince him to join the Turkish association.
Arijon Ibrahimovic (1. Heidenheim)
The player, on loan from Bayern, plays for the German youth team. In his case, a transition to the Kosovo association is even considered realistic.
Ilyas Ansa (Union Berlin)
Bayern's terrible run with Köpenickers recently ended and he is in high demand. Not only in the transfer market, but also in the Ghanaian association.
Djenan Pejcinovic (Wolfsburg)
He still played for the Montenegro youth team at U15 level. After that he moved to the German association. Given the question of a striker in the senior team, another move could make sense.
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Dennis Seimen (Paderborn)
The young goalkeeper plays for Antonio Di Salvo for the Germany U21 national team. The lease period in Paderborn has already paid off for its development. Will the transition to the Romanian association lead to the same thing?
This article has been translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.
📸 Stuart Franklin – Getty Images, 2025
