Paris Brunner decision now in Monaco striker’s hands, says DR Congo boss Sebastien Desabre

DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre says his coaching staff has done everything it can to convince AS Monaco forward Paris Brunner to choose the national team, but the final decision now rests with the player.

Desabre named a 26-man squad on Friday for DR Congo’s two matches against Sierra Leone in the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The first fixture will take place in Kinshasa on 12 November, with the return match scheduled for 17 November in Casablanca, Morocco.

Brunner, 20, was not included in the squad as he continues to weigh up whether to represent Germany or DR Congo at senior international level.

“We are doing our duty with Paris Brunner, but…” Desabre said at his news conference, making clear that the staff believes it has fulfilled its role in presenting the player with the opportunity to join the Congolese project.

The striker was born in Dortmund to a German father and is eligible to play for DR Congo through his mother’s heritage. He has represented Germany at every youth level from Under-16 upwards and has been selected for the Germany Under-21 squad for the next international window.

Desabre previously confirmed that he had spoken directly to Brunner’s parents to explain the national team’s plans and ambitions. The DR Congo staff is understood not to want to put pressure on the forward, despite several indications of his connection to the country’s team on social media.

The player’s international choice has attracted attention during a strong start to the season with AS Monaco. Brunner has scored eight goals and provided one assist in 12 appearances for the club, starting all 12 matches.

The forward’s current form has increased interest in which country he will eventually represent at senior level, although his latest Germany Under-21 selection means no decision has yet been announced in favour of DR Congo.

For now, Desabre’s position is that the national team has made its case and that the next move must come from Brunner.