Germany are ahead in the race to secure the international allegiance of exciting forward Kevin Schade after English Premier League club, Brentford, confirmed that the youngster had been invited to the German national team ahead of the international break.
Born to a German mother and a Nigerian father, Schade is eligible to represent both Germany and Nigeria in international competitions.
The versatile player has represented Germany’s U-21 side and scored four goals in five appearances, and could now feature for the senior squad in their upcoming friendlies against Peru and Belgium, after Germany head coach Hansi Flick invited him to the senior squad for the first time.
The Nigeria Football Federation had reportedly been monitoring Schade’s progress for some time and hoped to convince him to switch allegiances to play for the Super Eagles.
“Kevin Schade has been called up to the senior Germany squad for the first time,” Brentford wrote on their website.
“The Brentford forward could feature in Germany’s friendlies against Peru (25 March) and Belgium (28 March).”
Schade joined Brentford on loan from Freiburg in January, with the deal expected to be made permanent for a club record undisclosed fee in the summer.
He made his first-team debut in August 2021 and went on to make a further 23 appearances in all competitions during his breakout season as Freiburg finished sixth in the Bundesliga.
He netted four times last term, including an 84th-minute winner against Bayer Leverkusen.
The forward has made 20 appearances during the 2022/23 season, eight of which have come for Brentford.
He assisted Mathias Jensen’s goal during Brentford’s 3-2 victory over Fulham earlier this month and made his first start against Southampton last Wednesday.
