The decision has reportedly been made.
Paul Wanner has enjoyed a solid season on loan at FC Heidenheim in the Bundesliga, racking up over 2300 minutes in all competitions. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder will remain in Heidenheim for the relegation playoffs against SV Elversberg, but would then have the option of returning to parent club Bayern Munich to have the chance to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup.
But the newly redesigned tournament is not the only competition this summer Wanner could take part in. The Bayern youth academy graduate has been an key member of Germany’s U-21 team, which is set to compete in this summer’s U-21 European Championship. So the question for Wanner has been this: Go to the U-21 EUROs or the Club World Cup?
According to reporter Kerry Hau, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, the decision has been made:
Paul Wanner will play for Germany at the U21 Euros this summer and will not travel with Bayern to the Club World Cup. The decision has been made in consultation between Bayern, the DFB and the player’s camp.
BFW Analysis
If the report is accurate, this is probably the right decision. As mentioned above, Wanner has been vital to Germany’s U-21s. At Bayern, however, he would theoretically have to try and compete against the other attacking midfielders at the club. Those are Thomas Müller, who is playing his last ever tournament at the club, and Jamal Musiala, who has openly admitted to wanting to recover his fitness and play in the tournament. Ultimately, he is likely more important and will get more game time with the U-21s.
