American youngster Noahkai Banks could be making his Bundesliga debut with Augsburg sooner rather than later. - © Imago

bundesliga

Noahkai Banks: Who is the USA youth international climbing the Augsburg ranks?

12.07.2024

Augsburg prospect Noahkai Banks has signed his first professional contract, after almost a decade in the club's youth ranks. bundesliga.com profiles the USA U19 international...

Date correct as of 11 July 2024

Noahkai Banks

Age: 17 (born 1 December 2006) 
Club: Augsburg
Position: Centre-back
Country: USA (seven youth caps)/ Germany (uncapped)

After joining Augsburg at U10s level, Banks made the step up to the U17s in 2021, aged just 14. He's since played 20 times at that level, whilst making 21 appearances for the U19s. The 6'3" defender also got his first taste of Germany's fourth tier in 2023/24, featuring in six Regionalliga matches, before being kitted out with a three-year professional contract ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Already capped five times by the US U17s, the Augsburg youth product made his U19s debut in a March 2024 friendly against England, marking the occasion with the match-winning assist for Borussia Dortmund's Cole Campbell.

Plays a bit like: Eric Dier

It's very early days for Banks, who's still mastering his rangy frame. That said, the American-German's performances so far have showcased a real command of the defensive third, married with some pretty nimble footwork for a centre-back. If he continues along his current trajectory, the Augsburg prospect could mature into a defender of a similar ilk to Bayern Munich's Eric Dier.

Did you know?

Banks received a call-up to the USA's 2024 CONCACAF U20 Championship squad, but has instead opted to make the most of a full pre-season with the Augsburg senior squad.

"I’m delighted to be given the chance to prove myself in the first team," explained Banks, who could yet choose to represent Germany in the future. "It’s a childhood dream come true for me, and I’ll do everything I can to make it to the Bundesliga with FCA."

What they're saying

"Noahkai is a very talented centre-back, who we believe is capable of making the leap to the Bundesliga. He showed last season that he can adapt quickly to a higher level, with his performances for the 23s earning him his place in the first team." - Augsburg sporting director Marinko Jurendic