Thursday, February 12, 2026 - Former Chelsea and England youth star, Carney Chukwuemeka, is reportedly in the process of switching his international allegiance ahead of the World Cup.
Chukwuemeka, 22, joined Borussia Dortmund for £24million
last summer after three years at Stamford Bridge where he struggled to earn a
regular first team spot amid a battle for fitness and form.
The Blues had signed the attacking midfielder from Aston
Villa for £20m when he was just 18, with Chukwuemeka one of the most highly
rated talents in the country at the time.
That move came shortly after he starred when England won the
Under 19 European Championship in 2022 - and he later went on to represent
England Under 20s.
He was also called up to the Three Lions' Under 21 team in
2024, but failed to feature due to injury.
According to The Athletic, the 22-year-old, who scored twice
in 32 games for Chelsea, could be representing Austria in the near future.
The report states that the Austrian FA are working on an
agreement for Chukwuemeka to switch his international allegiance ahead of next
summer's tournament.
Although he appeared for England's youth teams, he never
made a senior appearance, meaning a switch of nationality is allowed as per
FIFA rules.
Chukwuemeka was born in the Austrian city of Eisenstadt in
2003 to Nigerian parents, meaning he qualifies for both countries. He is also
eligible to play for France.
The 22-year-old lived in Austria during the early years of
his life before his family moved to Northampton.
When he moved to England, Chukwuemeka renounced his Austrian
citizenship as part of the process to become a British citizen.
However, given the choice was made for him when he was
classified as a minor, he is now able to have that reinstated.
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