Bayern youngster Osmani chooses Kosovo over Germany and receives first senior call-up
| Erblin Osmani for Germany's youth team. | Photo: Ahmad Mora / Getty Images. |
Bayern Munich talent Erblin Osmani has opted to represent Kosovo at senior international level. The 17-year-old midfielder has been named in Franco Foda’s squad for the upcoming Nations League campaign.
Osmani had previously represented Germany at U16 and U17 level, but has now decided to play for the Kosovo senior national team. His inclusion was confirmed when Foda announced his 27-man squad on Friday.
Earlier this month, Kosovo's ambassador to Germany, Faruk Ajeti, announced that the Bayern youngster had received a Kosovo passport and claimed that Osmani had chosen to represent the country. Reports in Germany subsequently suggested that the decision had not yet been finalised.
That uncertainty has now been resolved with Osmani's inclusion in Kosovo's senior squad.
The Munich-born midfielder joined Bayern's academy from TSV Milbertshofen at U9 level and progressed through the club's youth system. In March, he made his Bundesliga debut against Union Berlin at the age of 16 years and 305 days, becoming the third-youngest player ever to appear for Bayern's first team.
Bayern subsequently extended Osmani's contract on a long-term basis in July. The club confirmed that his new deal will automatically become a professional contract when he turns 18.
Osmani is currently primarily playing for Bayern's U19 side, but remains regarded as one of the club's promising young midfielders. Transfermarkt lists him as a defensive midfielder and values the 17-year-old at €2 million.
Kosovo will begin its Nations League campaign in League B against Ireland in Pristina on September 24. Foda's side will then face Austria twice and Israel, with Osmani potentially in line to make his senior international debut.
Importantly, Osmani's call-up does not automatically make the switch irreversible. According to the current eligibility rules, a player generally becomes tied to a national association after making four appearances in official senior competition, or an appearance after turning 21.
