Shock Twist: Former Chelsea Prodigy Poised to Snub England for Rival Nation Ahead of 2026 World Cup!
In the lead-up to the World Cup, Austria are rolling out the big guns to sway a promising 22-year-old English prodigy to don their national colors. This young talent, once hailed as a standout for England’s youth squads, carries an intriguing heritage that opens doors to Nigeria, France, and Austria itself. As the Austrian FA fine-tunes a deal that could see the player step onto the World Cup stage with them, the chessboard of international soccer allegiance is set for a thrilling move. Caught in the crosshairs of multiple nations eager for his signature, this is more than just a switch—it’s a career-defining crossroads that could reshape his journey and boost Austria’s campaign in a highly competitive group. LEARN MORE
Austria are working to convince a highly-rated English youngster to switch his national allegiance prior to the World Cup.
The 22-year-old former England wonderkid, who has featured at various youth levels for the Young Lions, is also eligible to represent Nigeria, France and Austria.
Austria attempt to persuade ex-Chelsea star to switch national allegiance
Carney Chukwuemeka has started in eight games for Borussia Dortmund this season and registered two goals, including a 95th minute equaliser against Frankfurt last month.
The 22-year-old played for Aston Villa and Chelsea between 2016 and 2024, notably scoring a 92nd minute winner in the latter’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Leicester shortly before his loan move to Borussia Dortmund.
Chukwuemeka first moved to Austria’s neighbouring country Germany in 2025 before signing permanently to Borussia Dortmund in August of last year for a fee of £17.5 million.
The youngster, who starts predominantly on the left wing for the German club, is allowed per FIFA rules to switch nationalities as he has never made a senior appearance for England.
The 22-year-old was born in Austria but lived in England for most of his life following his family’s move to Northampton.
Chukwuemeka, who has featured in 26 games for Borussia Dortmund this season, was the subject of similar reports in 2023 that claimed Austria were attempting to persuade the youngster to switch his national allegiance.
Austria, led by ex-Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick, are in a group with Jordan, Algeria and Argentina in the upcoming World Cup, with a reasonable chance of progression to the knockouts.
The winger was once described by former Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow as “probably the best 16-year-old in England”.
Purslow also told Aston Villa fans in 2022 that he “tried [his] damnedest” to keep hold of the youngster prior to his move to Chelsea.
Chukwuemeka may feature in Borussia Dortmund’s return to Bundesliga against Mainz on Friday evening.
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