Paul Wanner has had a rollercoaster few years as of late. He burst onto the scene in Germany, as one of the most intriguing prospects with incredible qualities at a young age. While Wanner lacked game experience, he showed qualities and the ability to be coached into the other qualities. However, since making his big splash into first division football with FC Heidenheim, he hasn’t quite reached his potential.
In his first few matches with Heidenheim, he was already scoring goals and racking up assists both in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Europa Conference League, but quickly went silent for the majority of the season. In that brief moment though, there was hot debate in Germany and Austria in which nation Wanner would choose to represent at the national level.
While the excitement around his decision cooled down over time, there was still plenty of uncertainty as to which country the young talent would choose. That debate has now been laid to rest as the former Bayern Munich wonderkid has now made up his choice to represent Austria under Ralf Ragnick.
“This decision was probably the hardest of my career. Because through my parents, my upbringing and the stages of my career, I truly have two hearts in my chest. I feel incredibly honoured that two associations tried to convince me to play for their national team. The exchange with the Austrian Football Association has been ongoing, and with Ralf Rangnick and his coaching staff I have had a very open and honest dialogue for a long time. In recent weeks we intensified those conversations once again. In the end, this decision cannot be about short-term considerations or promises. It’s about what you feel. I’m especially grateful to Antonio Di Salvo, Julian Nagelsmann, and the entire German Football Association: all the conversations were fair and on an equal footing, without any pressure,” Wanner told Sky Germany. “There were never any guarantees involved. It’s simply about what you feel. I very much enjoyed being part of Germany’s youth national teams. But now, after making the final decision and having many conversations with my family, I have come to the feeling and realization: I want to play for Austria. I want to confirm my sporting development over the coming months. And of course I dream of wearing Austria’s national team shirt. The FIFA World Cup is a dream for every player. But like any other player, I have to earn a nomination. I’ll give everything in every match to achieve that.”
Just like that, the Paul Wanner Austria/Germany saga is over. A saga that had much more tension and excitement as Paul Wanner first rose through the Bayern Munich ranks, however, decreased with interest over some time. While Wanner’s general market value has depreciated since that first run of form within the Bayern ranks, the Austrian midfielder has seemingly found his foot once again with PSV.
In the end, Ralf Ragnick had the clear plan for Wanner and it was evident that Wanner would not have a major role with the German national team in the distant future under Nagelsmann. With these key factors, it makes too much sense for Wanner to choose Austria, although this is one that Germany might look back on in the coming years if Wanner hits his high ceiling that he was once projected to reach.
