Paul Wanner says yes to Austria: The young gun picks Rangnick and the ÖFB
It's official: Paul Wanner will continue his international career wearing the red shirt! The 20-year-old, who has recently been the subject of a tug-of-war between two of football's heavyweights, has chosen the ÖFB over the DFB. For team boss Ralf Rangnick, this is another major win – and for the Austrian national team, it could be the starting signal for a golden era.
Rangnick's hard-fought battle for the super talent
For months, Ralf Rangnick has gone to great lengths to convince Paul Wanner to switch to the ÖFB. Personal talks, video messages, phone calls – the team boss left no stone unturned. And now the effort has paid off. Wanner, who grew up in both Austria and Germany, has consciously chosen the Alpine republic. Rangnick is said to have personally thanked him on Thursday morning – the joy within the association is immense.
Turning down Nagelsmann and Di Salvo
The news is a bitter blow for the German competition. Julian Nagelsmann had recently been courting the attacking midfielder for the senior national team, and U21 coach Antonio Di Salvo was also hoping to secure him. But Wanner has given both a clear 'no'. The trusting relationship with Rangnick proved too strong, and the ÖFB project too convincing. Insiders report that Wanner had been toying with the idea of playing for the country of his birth for some time – he was born in 2005 in Dornbirn, Vorarlberg.
What Wanner brings to the Austrian game
Paul Wanner is no ordinary youngster. He's a game-changer. Anyone who has seen him in the German Bundesliga this season knows: this kid has what it takes to become a world star. His commitment represents a massive leap in quality for the ÖFB.
- Creativity in the centre: Wanner can play that killer final pass, open up defensive lines with a dribble, and finish clinically himself. These are exactly the moments the national team has sometimes lacked recently.
- Flexibility: Whether as a number ten, a box-to-box player, or out on the wing – this jewel can be deployed in various positions, giving Rangnick new tactical options.
- Mentality: Despite his youth, Wanner plays with composure, seeks responsibility, and doesn't shy away from challenges. A modern leader type.
A signal for the future
With Paul Wanner's decision, the ÖFB is sending a clear signal to European football: Austria is an attractive destination for top-tier talent. The 20-year-old could become the cornerstone of a new generation aiming to make a splash at the home Euro in 2028. Of course, there will be critics who discuss a "switch of nationality" – but at the end of the day, what counts is that a player wants to play for Austria with all his heart. And that's exactly what Paul Wanner will do now.
It's a day of celebration for everyone who wears the red-white-red. Welcome to the team, Paul!