Augsburg boss backs USMNT defender Noahkai Banks for top move after Barcelona admission
| Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images |
19-year-old Noahkai Banks has earned plenty of praise for his performances for FC Augsburg this season, having cemented a starting spot at the heart of their defence.
Other clubs are likely taking notice. According to Kicker, the USMNT defender could command a “high transfer fee” this summer if concrete interest emerges.
Augsburg sporting director Benni Weber is well aware of the young centre-back’s potential.
“It’s a great joy to see how he’s developing, how many decisive moments he has. He will probably play for a very big club one day,” Weber told Kicker.
When asked by Bulinews.com about his dream destination in a recent interview, Banks revealed a special connection to FC Barcelona.
“It's difficult to say. I really enjoy playing in the Bundesliga, to be honest. But there are a lot of great leagues, such as the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga,” he said.
“One of the clubs I idolized while growing up was Barcelona. I think I can say that's my favorite club. So yeah, maybe one day it would be a dream to play for them, but let's see what happens," Banks told Bulinews.com.
With Banks’ contract running until 2029, Augsburg hold a strong negotiating position.
“We have control of the situation; there’s no danger,” Weber stressed.
“Torn” between USA and Germany
For now, Banks faces a difficult decision regarding his international future.
Kicker reports that some people at Augsburg are advising him to choose the United States, probably not least considering the potential impact a World Cup squad place could have on his market value.
