Ex-Chelsea star, 22, ‘set to abandon England and switch his international allegiance to play at the World Cup’ – despite winning the U19 Euros in 2022

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 this summer after three years at Stamford Bridge where he struggled to earn a regular 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 in England‘s Under 19 European Championship triumph 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.

And now, according to The Athletic, the 22-year-old, who scored twice in 32 games for Chelsea, could be representing Austria in the near future.

Chukwuemeka currently plays for Borussia Dortmund after joining from Chelsea in the summer

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.

The midfielder later spent time in the academy of the town’s League One club until he joined Aston Villa at the age of 12 after they fought off significant competition for his signature.

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.  

Austria are coached by former Man United interim boss Ralf Rangnick and they are in a group with Jordan, Algeria and Argentina at this summer’s tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico. 

Chukwuemeka pictured in action for Chelsea against Man United back in October 2022

Back in 2023, some reports claimed that Austria had made an attempt to convince Chukwuemeka to switch his allegiance in efforts that were unsuccessful at the time.

Meanwhile, other members of Chukwuemeka’s England Under 19 cohort back in 2022 included Jarell Quansah, Jamie Gittens, Alex Scott and Liam Delap. 

Since his summer move to Germany, Chukwuemeka, who was once described by former Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow as ‘probably the best 16-year-old in England’, has played 26 times for Dortmund.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at the club, before a permanent move was eventually agreed towards the end of the summer window. 

Niko Kovac’s side are currently second in the Bundesliga, six points behind leaders Bayern Munich. 

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