It has been a sensational start to the season for Paul Wanner at FC Heidenheim. Bayern Munich decided to send Wanner on loan for a second consecutive season to aid his development. Wanner has justified this decision after scoring three goals in three games across all competitions.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder spent last season on loan at SV Elversberg in the second division of the German football. Since game time was difficult to come by at Bayern, another year on loan was on the agenda for the youngster. There was significant interest from several clubs across Europe, but Wanner decided to get game time in the Bundesliga.
Courtesy of a strong start to the season, Wanner’s future at the international level is up for debate. He qualifies to play for Austria and Germany at the international level. According to Sky Sports journalist Kerry Hau (via iMiaSanMia), DFB is confident that Wanner will pick Germany over Austria as his international team.
Julian Nagelsmann is keenly following the development of Wanner at FC Heidenheim. The youngster may get a call-up to the senior team later this season if he continues to sustain the rich vein of form. It wouldn’t be a big surprise if Wanner is in the German squad if he has a productive September with Heidenheim.
Paul Wanner - all four goals for Heidenheim this season so far:
— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) September 4, 2024
- sends the goalkeeper the wrong way with a cool penalty
- clinical weaker foot finish after a good counter-attacking run
- enters the penalty area and scores with a top corner finish
- quick one-two, loses his… pic.twitter.com/Tjq3Qtczs6
Wanner likely to be part of Bayern’s first team in 2025/26
Bayern rate Wanner highly as they hope to have him in the first-team squad for the 2025/26 campaign. Wanner made his debut for Bayern at the age of 16. The young midfielder has shone at the youth level, which prompted Die Roten to send him out on loan so that he could get accustomed to senior football.
Die Roten have done remarkable work in the last few years when it comes to integrating young players from the academy into the senior squad. Aleksandar Pavlović enjoyed a breakthrough season with Bayern last year. The young midfielder is currently part of the German squad. Wanner will look to follow in the footsteps of Pavlović when he returns to Munich next summer.
The ideal season for Wanner will be ten goals and ten assists across all competitions for FC Heidenheim. The German club is also playing in Europe, which will be a learning experience for Wanner. The next few months could be very special for Wanner as he is closing on a call-up to the national team. His successful season with club and country will highlight the good work Bayern have done with their loan system over the past few years.