FC Augsburg retains talent Noakhai Banks until 2029 – great future ahead!

FC Augsburg retains talent Noakhai Banks until 2029 – great future ahead!

In the transfer summer of 2025, FC Augsburg has great news: the club has extended its homegrown Noakhai Banks until June 30, 2029. The 18-year-old player, who already took his first steps at the FCA football school, has developed enormously in recent years and has worked his way up to the U10 level in the club's youth teams. In January 2025, Banks made his Bundesliga debut against VfB Stuttgart and two weeks later made his starting eleven debut against 1. FC Heidenheim. This season he has already made eight appearances in the top German league.

His managing director Michael Ströll not only highlights Banks' talent, but also the importance of his long-term commitment to the club. “Noakhai is a great promise for the future,” says Ströll. Banks himself is also enthusiastic about the prospects at FC Augsburg and is looking forward to his further development.

International ambitions

Another exciting chapter in Banks' career is about to begin: The talented central defender has been named to the USA's preliminary squad for the Nations League. This means he is faced with a decision regarding his national team membership. Banks has not yet decided on his participation in the DFB and has never been part of the DFB youth teams. However, signs point to him choosing the US, which could also be beneficial for his development. Playing in a competitive game could not only secure him a place in the national team, but also possibly enable him to take part in the next World Cup.

Although there are many questions about his future role in the national team, Banks is already showing solid performances. Nevertheless, he must take a step forward in the coming years in order to be able to survive in international competition. This is particularly crucial given the competition from other young players of a similar age who already have regular positions in the 1st and 2nd Bundesliga.

Talent development at a high level

The development of talent like Banks is also supported by programs such as the DFB talent development program. With 339 bases throughout Germany, the DFB ensures that talented players at their prime learning age are discovered and supported. A total of around 14,000 talented kickers are in the starting blocks to receive individual support. Around 1,200 qualified base trainers take on the important task of identifying the enormous potential of these young athletes.

The connection between club youth work and performance centers helps bring creative and technically skilled players to the top of football. Such programs are important to develop the next generation of stars who have the potential to shine at international level, as was the case with Noakhai Banks.