Boukhalfa is also a candidate
©IMAGO
This article was first published on October 17 at 5:05 p.m. and was subsequently updated.
If nothing else happens, Mitchell Weiser will play for the Algerian national team in the future. As our editorial team has learned, the 30-year-old Werder Bremen professional has changed his association with FIFA and could be named for the November international matches by national coach Vladimir Petkovic. Carlo Boukhalfa of FC St. Pauli is also on his way to becoming a national player.
Updated October 21 at 6:31 a.m.: On the sidelines of the Bundesliga match against VfL Wolfsburg (4:2), Weiser confirmed his possible debut in Algeria. “I hope I get invited. There is still time until the next appointment. “I have to play well and I want to offer myself,” the professional said in “Kicker”.
In March 2023, things seemed concrete between Weiser and the Algerian association. “I don’t have the passport yet, but I am currently in the process. This is of course an option. For me, it would be an adventure. I want it,” Weiser said at the time on “Spox” and “Goal.” However, nothing happened afterwards. In November, he continued with the “Deichstube”: “I would like to play another big tournament and I am still waiting for a call. Now, it’s not like I’m constantly looking at my phone or checking to see when the next list of nominations will be released. »
Today, the subject has gained momentum and will most likely lead to a nomination. Weiser’s mother, whose father is from Algeria, was in the country in early October for talks with the association and the breakthrough took place. Since the Swiss Petkovic took over as coach in February, players have been sought to help the team on a sporting level.
We must act on the right side of the defense. More recently, central defender Aïssa Mandi (32) had to help. The only player on the squad trained for this position was Saâdi Radouani (29 years old), who has one of the lowest market values at 600,000 euros. At €6 million, Weiser would be one of the team’s most valuable players. In the recent past, players like Ibrahim Maza (18), Houssem Aouar (26) and Amine Gouiri (24) have been convinced to change associations.
Boukhalfa, 25, is not yet ready, but according to information from (Site notre blog d’information), a conversation has taken place with the association. His Algerian passport is being processed. His grandfather also comes from the countryside. While Weiser played for the DFB up to U21 level, Boukhalfa has no national team experience.