Will Wanner play for Germany or Austria? Here's what his international future depends on
In six games this season, Paul Wanner has scored four goals and provided two assists for Heidenheim, where he is on loan from Bayern Munich, catching the eye of Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.
However, the 18-year-old attacking midfielder is also eligible to play for Austria and hasn't yet made a decision on who he will represent.
According to a report by Sport1, Wanner's decision will depend on his big dream - the 2026 World Cup.
If the German Football Association (DFB) can show him good prospects of making Nagelsmann's World Cup squad, Wanner would choose to play for Germany, according to the report.
But if not, he could opt for Austria, who have shown interest in the 18-year-old for some time and wanted to take him to Euro 2024.
Most recently, Wanner turned down a call-up to the German under-21 national team in order to focus on the tasks ahead with Heidenheim.
"We cannot offer a contract or money. We can only offer a perspective. Ultimately, it is up to the players and their families to decide," said DFB youth director Hannes Wolf recently.
Germany's next matches in the UEFA Nations League are against Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Netherlands in October.