Paul Wanner has been one of the best young players in the Bundesliga this season. The loan move to FC Heidenheim from Bayern Munich has started on a positive note for the teenager. Courtesy of his form at the club level, Wanner’s future at the international level has been up for debate.
Wanner decided to stay at Heidenheim during the first international break of the season. He made his debut for Germany’s U-21 squad in October. Despite playing for Germany’s U-21, Austria remains in contention for Wanner’s services at the senior level.
Germany’s head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, has been closely following the development of Wanner at Heidenheim. Nagelsmann decided to call Wanner for the upcoming international break. However, Wanner wants to play with the U-21 squad for now instead of playing for the senior team.
Rejecting a call-up for Germany’s senior squad is a brave move from Wanner. It certainly raises eyebrows over his long-term future with Germany. While talking to Bild, Wanner decided to squash speculation and explained the reasons behind rejecting the call-up from the senior squad.
"I think everyone knows that I have a great relationship with Julian, as we have known each other for a very long time and we are therefore in regular contact. I just want to follow my path and my development. I'm looking forward to playing for Germany U21s and establishing myself there. I want to continue my path there step by step. "Paul Wanner
Wanner is likely to decide on his international allegiance before the end of the season. DFB remains confident about Wanner picking Germany over Austria, but the Austrian Football Federation and Ralf Rangnick have not given up on convincing him and remain in contact with the youngster.
Paul Wanner’s future at Bayern remains uncertain
Along with international football, Wanner’s future at Bayern also needs to be defined at the end of the season. The Bavarian club considers him to be part of their long-term plans, but he needs clarity on game time since Jamal Musiala already plays in his position, and Die Roten are heavily linked with Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
While talking to the media on Friday, Christoph Freund squashed speculation by insisting that Wanner remains part of Bayern’s long-term plans.
Christoph Freund on Paul Wanner and his future: "We are very happy and satisfied with Paul's development. He has had a great start to the season, is playing well and having a lot of minutes. He is a player with whom we are planning our future, so we're not thinking about other… pic.twitter.com/B3FrLxRNj3
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) November 8, 2024
However, Wanner will need assurances over game time to stay in Munich. As per SportBild’s Christian Falk, Bayer Leverkusen have identified Wanner as one of the potential replacements for Wirtz. A swap deal involving Wanner and Wirtz is also a possibility in the summer.
RB Leipzig also have Wanner on their list of targets to replace Xavi Simons in the summer. The Dutch attacking midfielder is on loan at Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain. Bayern also have a concrete interest in Simons.
Bayern have not made a firm decision on Wanner. They will hope to see him flourish at Heidenheim. A final call on the long-term plans for Wanner will be made in the summer.