Paul Wanner commits to Austria: Young star chooses Rangnick and the Austrian FA

It's official: Paul Wanner will continue his international career in the red shirt of Austria! The 20-year-old, who has been courted by two of Europe's footballing heavyweights, has chosen the Austrian FA over the German FA. For team boss Ralf Rangnick, this is another major coup – and for the Austrian national team, it could be the dawn of a golden era.

Rangnick's determined pursuit of the super talent

For months, Ralf Rangnick has gone to great lengths to convince Paul Wanner to switch his allegiance to the Austrian FA. Personal meetings, video messages, phone calls – the team boss left no stone unturned. And now, that 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 federation is immense.

A snub for Nagelsmann and Di Salvo

The news comes as a bitter blow for the German camp. Julian Nagelsmann had recently made several attempts to woo 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 bond of trust with Rangnick was too strong, and the Austrian FA's project too convincing. Insiders report that Wanner had been contemplating playing for the country of his birth for some time – he was born in Dornbirn, Vorarlberg, in 2005.

What Wanner brings to the Austrian setup

Paul Wanner is no ordinary youngster. He's a game-changer. Anyone who has watched him in the German Bundesliga this season knows: this lad has the potential to become a world star. For the Austrian FA, his commitment represents a massive leap in quality.

• Creativity in the middle: Wanner can play that killer pass, unlock defensive lines with a dribble, and finish chances himself. These are precisely the moments the national team has sometimes lacked recently.
• Versatility: Whether as a number ten, a box-to-box midfielder, or out on the wing – this gem can be deployed flexibly, giving Rangnick new tactical options.
• Mentality: Despite his youth, Wanner plays with composure, takes responsibility, and doesn't shirk a tackle. A modern leader type.

A statement of intent for the future

With Paul Wanner's decision, the Austrian FA is sending a clear signal to European football: Austria is an attractive destination for top talent. The 20-year-old could become the cornerstone of a new generation aiming to make a major impact at Euro 2028 on home soil. Of course, there will be critics who discuss a 'switch of nationality' – but what matters in the end is that a player wants to give his all for Austria. And that is exactly what Paul Wanner is now doing.

It's a day of celebration for everyone who wears the red-white-red. Welcome to the team, Paul!