Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka could switch his international allegiance in order to play for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has enjoyed a decent start to the new season, starting the campaign as Erik ten Hag’s first-choice right back.
Sadly, Wan-Bissaka missed out on a start against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, eventually coming off the bench having been ill in the week.
A 3-1 defeat to the Seagulls may mean that Wan-Bissaka immediately takes back his spot in the United team, just as he is facing a big call over his international future.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka could switch his international allegiance
Wan-Bissaka hails from Croydon in London but is also of Congolese descent.
The 25-year-old even played one game for the DR Congo under-20’s before being lured away by England.
Wan-Bissaka still hasn’t been capped at senior level though, meaning he is eligible to switch back to DR Congo.
Right back is probably one of England’s strongest positions right now, even with Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker surely nearing the end of their international careers.
Wan-Bissaka cost United £50million back in 2019 and may now have to accept that an England call-up just isn’t on the cards.
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DR Congo boss Sebastien Desabre has now told Sowetan Live that he thinks Wan-Bissaka is a ‘nice player’ but won’t go chasing after him.
Desabre did though leave the door open to all players who qualify for DR Congo and believes Wan-Bisska will commit when the time is right – on the condition that he really wants to play for DR Congo with all his heart.
“He’s a nice player as you know but we won’t run after the players. We have a lot of players who worked very hard for us to qualify for Afcon. If Aaron or other players are at a good level and want to come there’s no problem,”
“The team is open for all players but on one condition that they must want it with their hearts to come to the national team. When it’s the right moment for this guy (Wan-Bissaka), he can come,” he added.
Wan-Bissaka could give Manchester United another AFCON problem
Wan-Bissaka now has plenty to think about with the Africa Cup of Nations just around the corner.
DR Congo have qualified for the AFCON finals having finished top of Group I during qualifying.
Wan-Bissaka could decide that now is the right time to make the switch – and such a decision would be a blow for United.
Andre Onana is already heading to AFCON with Cameroon and Wan-Bissaka could now join him in going away during January.
Add in that Amad Diallo could be in the squad for hosts for Ivory Coast and United may well lose three players in January.
Diogo Dalot is decent competition at right back but Ten Hag would be forgiven for hoping that Wan-Bissaka delays a decision for a little longer yet.