Senegal is making a daring play to secure AC Milan’s defensive prodigy Malick Thiaw, aiming to sway him from a budding career with the German national team.
The 22-year-old, who has made just one appearance for Germany, is already seen as a cornerstone for the DFB’s future. Yet, Senegal believes they can tempt the versatile defender to pledge allegiance to his father’s homeland.
Reports from Record, a Portuguese outlet, and Senegalese media suggest the West African nation’s football authorities are mounting a concerted effort to recruit Thiaw. Born to a German-Finnish mother and a Senegalese father, Thiaw qualifies to represent Senegal under FIFA’s eligibility rules, provided he formally switches.
Currently excelling as one of Serie A’s top defenders, Thiaw’s rapid rise makes him a hot commodity. While his advisor Gordon Stipic has declined to comment on the speculation, the move raises questions about the DFB’s urgency in cementing his commitment.
Senegal, known for nurturing world-class talent, might just pull off one of the most intriguing coups in international football.
