Wonderkid Noahkai Banks urged to choose USMNT over Germany by his club

Tom Weber

• 4 Mar 2026 13:00 CST
• 6 min read

News

Senior figures at Augsburg have advised talented defender Noahkai Banks to pick the United States over Germany for financial reasons.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the most promising prospects in the Bundesliga this season. Since coming into the team in the early stages of the campaign, Banks has established himself as an indispensable starter for Augsburg.

Born in Honolulu, Banks has been living in Germany since childhood, making him eligible to represent the United States as well as Germany. He has played for the US since the U17 level and was called up by Mauricio Pochettino last year but did not make his debut.

Following his standout performances in recent months, his international allegiance has become a topic of discussion in the media in Germany. Though he is currently not thought to be in the frame for Julian Nagelsmann's senior national team, he will certainly become an option in the future.

At present, the teenager remains undecided. Speaking after a 2-0 win against Koln on Friday, he admitted that he feels attached to both countries and that he does not want to make his decision based on potential World Cup participation.

Banks urged to declare for the US

"I have a bit of contact with both national teams and am currently deciding," Banks said. "I don’t want to base my decision on the FIFA World Cup. I’m 19 years old, and I don’t want to make a hasty decision.

"I feel drawn to both nations. I grew up with my stepdad in Germany, but my real dad lives in America. I’m torn. I have to decide with my family what the best decision is.

Banks is expected to be called up - and potentially get tested as a starter - by the US this month. However, because of his age, he would not automatically be cap-tied even if he were to play against both Belgium and Portugal.

Players under 21 can file a one-time switch with FIFA if they have made three or fewer appearances for a senior national team, meaning that Banks would still be able to become a Germany international.

Kicker reports that Banks' international allegiance will become a "hot topic" this month, and the usually reliable German publication states that senior figures at Augsburg are advising him to choose the US over Germany.

The outlet speculates that this is because they know that Banks' value would increase considerably if he were to play for the US at the World Cup. The young defender may be sold in the summer, so the Bavarian club naturally want his stock to rise further.

Serie A giants AS Roma were already keen on signing him in January, and it is thought that they remain interested in the 19-year-old. He will surely also have suitors elsewhere.

Augsburg director Benni Weber is convinced that Banks will play for a "very big" club eventually. "It's a great pleasure to see how he's developing, how many decisive moments he's had," Weber said. "He'll probably play for a very big club someday."

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