Man Utd could lose Wan-Bissaka for weeks as star considers international change
Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka is weighing up switching his international allegiance to the Democratic Republic of Congo, it has been claimed.
Wan-Bissaka has played for England at Under-21 level and earned a call-up to the senior squad, but has yet to make his debut for the Three Lions. The Croydon-born defender qualifies for DRC through his family, playing once for their Under-20 side before focusing on England, and could yet opt to represent them at senior level after being frustrated in his search for a senior England cap.
According to The Athletic, the 25-year-old has received an approach from the African country to represent them at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Sebastien Desabre's team have been drawn in a group with Morocco, Zambia and Tanzania for the tournament, which begins in Cote d'Ivoire on January 13.
It isn't the first time Wan-Bissaka has been approached with a view to changing his international allegiance. He previous rebuffed interest while on the books of former club Crystal Palace, insisting his focus was on England.
“The aim is England,” he told The Evening Standard in 2019. “I am happy playing with England and representing England, so that is what I am going to continue doing.
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“My aim is just to keep playing and improving. By improving hopefully that does not go unnoticed and that will get me the chance, the same as it did with the team (Crystal Palace) now.”
Do you expect Wan-Bissaka to play at AFCON? Have your say in the comments section
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has played for England at Under-21 level (PA)If Wan-Bissaka does decide to make the switch, it could leave United without as many as four players for the duration of AFCON. Hannibal has earned senior caps for Tunisia and Sofyan Amrabat is expected to feature for Morocco, while goalkeeper Andre Onana is back in the picture for Cameroon after a brief international hiatus.
"In the world of football, as in life, decisive moments arise that require crucial choices to be made," Onana wrote after going back on his 2022 decision to retire from international football. "In recent months, I have been confronted with trials marked by injustice and manipulation. Yet my unshakeable love and attachment to my homeland, Cameroon, remain intact. My desire to represent my country has never wavered since my youth, and this aspiration remains an inseparable part of my identity.
"Nothing and no one can shake this conviction. I answer my nation's call with unshakeable certainty, aware that my return is not only to honour my dream, but also to respond to the expectations and support of Cameroonians, who deserve a national team determined to shine.
"In the face of manipulation, lies and abuse of power, I choose to remain true to my ideals, proudly representing a country that deserves our sincere commitment. Now is the time to unite, to work in harmony for our common good: Cameroon. I would like to salute the government, which is working hard to build a better Cameroon for all.
"My thoughts are with the people of Cameroon, to whom I offer my infinite thanks for their support, and whom I look forward to seeing again. Time, the infallible judge of all things, will eventually enlighten us and reveal the rightness of our actions. My commitment to Cameroon remains unwavering, and I am determined to play my part in seeing it prosper."
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