Transfer fee for Germany star? DFB chief floats new idea | OneFootball

Play for the DFB or for another nation? This question arises repeatedly for footballers. Recently, it was Ibrahim Maza, who went through the German youth national teams and has now chosen Algeria. 

"Germany has great players in this position. It would be very difficult for me to play there," the Leverkusen player said some time ago (quote via 'kicker'). Julian Nagelsmann would have liked to have him in his team as well. 

But for the national coach, the following is also important: "It's about whether I am proud to play for the country. I have to feel that. The discussion must be different than when it comes to choosing the right club." 

Maza has now made his decision, effectively switching nations for free. As a result, the DFB is now fundamentally examining whether there could be possibilities for compensation payments in the case of talent switching associations. 

Andreas Rettig said in this context to the 'dpa': "I don't understand at all why a player who was trained for over five years primarily at his club, but also with the association as a junior partner, can switch national associations for free."

The DFB managing director also explained that this issue has not yet been addressed on a large scale. "But training must be worthwhile for both sides, the trainee and the trainer," he added. 

"Must be worthwhile for both sides"

That Rettig is concerned about this issue now is shown by an analysis of the youth national teams. It was examined how many percent of the youth have dual citizenship. "We analyzed the squad lists from U 15 to U 21 in the association: The share is significantly above the mentioned 43 percent. There are age groups where seven or eight players in the starting eleven have two passports," explained the DFB boss.

But not only other nations benefit from the youth work at the DFB. Jamal Musiala, for example, played for the English national teams in his youth before deciding for the DFB. It is quite possible that other nations would follow suit. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 INA FASSBENDER - AFP or licensors