Former Chelsea midfielder, Carney Chukwuemeka, is reportedly in advanced talks to switch his international allegiance to Austria, in a last-minute bid to feature at this summer’s World Cup.
The 22-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder previously represented England at youth level and was part of the squad that clinched the 2022 UEFA Under-19 European Championship.
However, he is also eligible to play for France and Nigeria.
According to The Athletic, the Austrian Football Association is negotiating an agreement that could allow Chukwuemeka to change his national allegiance ahead of the tournament.
Chukwuemeka, who has netted three times in 26 appearances for Dortmund this season, qualifies to represent Austria because he was born in Eisenstadt and spent his early childhood there before relocating to Northampton in England.
Currently, he sits behind the likes of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Elliot Anderson in England’s midfield hierarchy.
He renounced his Austrian citizenship when acquiring British nationality but can have it reinstated, as the decision was made while he was still a minor.
The former Aston Villa and Chelsea player also remains eligible for France. Austria, managed by former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, secured their World Cup spot ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Romania.
They are set to face defending champions Argentina, alongside Jordan and Algeria, in the group stage.
Chukwuemeka, who scored twice in 32 appearances for Chelsea, is reportedly eager to expedite the switch as he seeks regular international football and aims to secure a permanent deal with Dortmund after his loan spell last season.
