Ex-Chelsea star, 22, ‘set to abandon England and switch his international allegiance to play at the World Cup’ – despite winning the U19 Euros in 2022
Former Chelsea and England youth star Carney Chukwuemeka is reportedly in the process of switching his international allegiance ahead of the World Cup.
Chukwuemeka, 22, joined Borussia Dortmund for £24million this summer after three years at Stamford Bridge where he struggled to earn a regular spot amid a battle for fitness and form.
The Blues had signed the attacking midfielder from Aston Villa for £20m when he was just 18, with Chukwuemeka one of the most highly rated talents in the country at the time.
That move came shortly after he starred in England’s Under 19 European Championship triumph in 2022 – and he later went on to represent England Under 20s.
He was also called up to the Three Lions’ Under 21 team in 2024, but failed to feature due to injury.
And now, according to The Athletic, the 22-year-old could be representing Austria in the near future.
Former England youth star Carney Chukwuemeka (centre) is reportedly set to switch his international allegiance to Austria
The report states that the Austrian FA are working on an agreement for Chukwuemeka to switch his international allegiance ahead of next summer’s tournament.
Although he appeared for England’s youth teams, he never made a senior appearance, meaning a switch of nationality is allowed as per FIFA rules.
Chukwuemeka was born in the Austrian city of Eisenstadt in 2003 to Nigerian parents, meaning he qualifies for both countries.
He spent his early years in the country before his family moved to Northampton.
The midfielder later spent time in the academy of the League One club until he joined Aston Villa at the age of 12 after they fought off significant competition for his signature.
When he moved to England, Chukwuemeka renounced his Austrian citizenship as part of the process to become a British citizen.
However, given the choice was made for him when he was classified as a minor, he is now able to have that reinstated.
Austria are coached by former Man United interim boss Ralf Rangnick and they were drawn in a group with Jordan, Algeria and Argentina at the World Cup.
Since his summer move to Germany, Chukwuemeka, who was once described by former Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow as ‘probably the best 16-year-old in England’, has played 26 times for Dortmund.
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