The local Münchener Tageszeitung reports that former Bayern Munich talent and Germany U21 international Paul Wanner has opted to switch his international allegiance to Austria. Wanner hopes to represent the ÖFB and work under German head coach Ralf Rangnick during the coming summer 2026 World Cup.
Wanner’s national allegiance was once a massive topic
Some 18 months ago, the matter of whether Wanner would choose to represent either Germany or Austria constituted huge news. This was due in large part due to the fact that the Bayern Munich phenom got off to a rollicking start with his loan club 1. FC Heidenheim at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.
Unfortunately, Wanner found himself unable to maintain his early season form. As a result he longer factored into the German national team discussion. Wanner still featured for the Germany U21s as recently as this past autumn, but stood little chance of making the leap to the top level.
Wanner gave up on Bayern Munich
In a move that earned him hefty criticism, Wanner lodged a transfer request at the beginning of the season. After Bayern bid their former prospect a trite farewell, German national team focus shifted to younger prospects – such as Lennart Karl, Said El Mala, and Assan Ouédraogo – playing for German clubs.
How has Wanner fared in Holland?
After initially struggling with his new Eredivisie outfit, Wanner has started in four consecutive league fixtures at PSV Eindhoven and scored two goals at PSV Eindhoven. The now 20-year-old maintains a current estimated market value of €14m, down slightly from his career peak of €18m.
