Bayern Munich's 17-year-old midfielder Erblin Osmani has received a passport from the Republic of Kosovo, placing him at a crossroads regarding his international football future. The Munich-born youth player, who has already represented Germany at youth level, could now opt to play for Kosovo, as announced by the Kosovar ambassador.
This development came to light last Friday through an Instagram post by the 43-year-old Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Germany and Denmark, Dr. Faruk Ajeti. The political scientist posted a photo showing him handing the passport to Osmani, writing: "It is a special honour that I could today hand over the passport of the Republic to our Bayern talent Erblin Osmani and announce a great news for Kosovar football: Erblin will play for Kosovo!" Osmani himself and his management have not yet commented on the matter, as reported by Bild Sport.
What international experience does Erblin Osmani have?
Erblin Osmani has already gained experience wearing the German national team shirt. In January of this year, the midfielder played two friendly matches for Germany's U17 national team against Portugal. The first match ended in a 1:2 defeat, while the second finished with a 3:1 victory. These appearances demonstrate the interest of the German Football Association (DFB) in the talent. The new national team coach Jürgen Klopp, who took over the team at age 59, could now lose a potential future squad member if Osmani chooses Kosovo. The next international break in late September could bring more clarity to the situation.
How has Osmani developed at Bayern Munich?
At Bayern, Erblin Osmani has developed significantly in recent months. The 40-year-old head coach Vincent Kompany had the young midfielder train regularly with the first-team professionals. This work paid off: On March 21, Osmani made his Bundesliga debut in a 4:0 win against Union Berlin. In July, the 17-year-old received a new contract that runs until 2029. This contract will automatically become a professional contract when Osmani turns 18 on May 19, 2027. For Bayern's U19 team, he boasts impressive statistics: five appearances, one goal, and two assists highlight his potential. The current Squad list for FC Bayern shows the strong competition in midfield that Osmani must overcome.
What does the passport issue mean for the future?
The handing over of the Kosovar passport is a clear signal that football associations are vying for the talent. Osmani has stated he has not yet made a final decision on which national team he will represent. The situation is reminiscent of similar cases where players with dual citizenship had to choose between two countries. For the DFB, losing such a talent would be a setback, especially since Osmani has come through the German youth system. For Kosovo, securing a player from the youth academy of a top European club like Bayern Munich would be a major coup. The development of the entire Bundesliga season can be tracked on our Standings page.
When could Osmani make his decision?
A final decision regarding his international future is still pending. The next international match window in late September offers a potential opportunity for clarification. Until then, the young midfielder will continue training at Bayern Munich and working on his development. His contract with Bayern secures him a long-term perspective until 2029, regardless of his national team choice. Bayern Munich's upcoming matches, including potential appearances for Osmani, are listed in our Fixtures calendar. His Bundesliga debut on March 21 in Berlin remains an important milestone in his young career.
