Sports News of Wednesday, 22 March 2017

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Ghana contacts Germany U-20 star Gideon Jung over nationality switch

Gideon Jung Gideon Jung

Ghana has contacted Germany U20 star Gideon Jung over switching nationality to play for the country of his parents.

The Hamburg star has revealed that former Black Stars coach Avram Grant contacted him over playing for the Black Stars ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

The youngster, who is a regular starter for the Bundesliga side, is part of Germany's U21 side for their upcoming qualifiers this week.

He is the Germany squad for the matches against England and Portugal on March 24 and 28 respectively.

His impressive form this season has seen him play 22 Bundesliga matches this season with 20 being starts for the side.

Jung has revealed that Avram Grant noticed his good form and was in contact to urge him to make a nationality switch to play for Ghana.

"There was [contact with the Ghana FA]," Jung told Mopo.

"A few months ago, national trainer Avram Grant called me and inquired.

"He wanted to get to know me. It was a pleasure. Of course I can also imagine playing for Ghana."

The midfielder can still switch nationality to play for Ghana as he has not played for the senior side of Germany.

According to FIFA laws on player eligibility, only a competitive game at senior level can prevent a player from switching international allegiance.

This means even if Jung plays for the Germany U21 side in their matches he can still switch allegiances to play for Ghana so long as he has not played for the senior national team of Germany.

Jung was born in the German city of Dusseldorf to Ghanaian parents and he insists he has affinity to the country of his parents.