Germany or England? Where does Jamal Musiala's future lie?
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has impressed more than most, winning praises and breaking records. But the Bayern talent has a difficult choice ahead.
At just 17 years and 115 days old, Jamal Musiala became Bayern Munich’s youngest ever player to play in the Bundesliga, when he made his debut against Freiburg this season on June 20, 2020.
Born to a Nigerian father and German mother, Musiala has lived a multicultural life – having spent majority of his childhood aged 7 to 16 in England. The Stuttgart-born has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, now establishing himself as one of Europe’s top talents.
It was in London Musiala had the opportunity to showcase his prodigious skills, impressing day in and day out at Chelsea’s Cobham training academy before turning his sights to Munich in mid-2019.
The Bavarians grabbed him on a free transfer, when he was just 16. With a choice to make between Germany and England, the teenager now has big decision on his hands regarding his senior international future.
German and Bayern No.1 Manuel Neuer has given his thought on Musiala’s future, urging the teenage sensation to play for Die Mannschaft. After Bayern’s comfortable 4-1 win over Hoffenheim, he said: “I would recommend talking to him and trying to get him to play for Germany. He’s very talented and good player who we need in our team, and who can play at the highest level.”
On 18 September 2020, he also became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer (17 years and 205 days) when he played his part in Bayern’s 8-0 drubbing of Schalke 04. His versatility and presence of mind makes him a remarkable attacking threat against oppositions.
Bayern teammate Joshua Kimmich also spoke of his talents: "Jamal is amazingly good for his age. He has good ball control, a clear mind and positive attitude. Great dribbler and has already scored two or three goals. You can see his potential. I hope we, and especially I, can help him to become a great player at Bayern Munich."
The half-English half-German midfielder has represented both – appearing at the under-16 level for Germany and England, but most recently the latter has been successful in acquiring his services. In November 2020, he was called up for the England U-21 squad, capping twice in the European U-21 Championship qualifiers and scoring once.
This season has seen him make a remarkable breakthrough in Hansi Flick’s side, appearing 23 times across five competitions and scoring three goals in the process. His current market value lies around €10m, but Bayern are unlikely to let him go anytime soon
His performances have prompted a battle between Germany and England to lure Musiala into their respective national team rosters. However, Germany and Joachim Low are said to be in pole position to win the race by handing him a senior international call-up for the World Cup qualifiers against Romania and Iceland in March 2020, according to Daily Mail.
Jamal Musiala will have to make an exceptionally hard decision, one that will undoubtedly dictate his future.