Augsburg director backs US-German talent Noahkai Banks to become "one of the best" centre-backs

FC Augsburg sporting director Benjamin Weber has praised US-German talent Noahkai Banks, saying he believes the youngster has the potential to become one of the best in his position.

The 19-year-old was a regular starter for much of the 2025/26 season, but slipped down the pecking order towards the end of the campaign. Despite that, Weber remains convinced he has a very bright future.

“He has big, big potential. He’s really strong physically and a very, very good player. He has all the skills you need to become one of the best centre-backs,” Weber said in an exclusive interview with Bulinews.com.

With Banks under contract until 2029, Weber is keen for Augsburg to help the youngster take the next steps in his development.

“It’s good that he’s with us at the moment because we’ve followed him and prepared him for the next steps,” he said.

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Benjamin Weber believes Noahkai Banks has a bright future. Photo: FC Augsburg/DFL

One major talking point around Banks during the 2025/26 season was his dual citizenship and his decision between representing the United States or Germany at international level.

For a long time, the 19-year-old was seen as a potential candidate for the United States World Cup squad, but the American youth international ultimately missed out after admitting he was “very torn” over which country to represent.

Asked whether the situation impacted Banks’ performances in the second half of the season, Weber declined to go into detail but offered a candid assessment of modern international football more broadly.

“It’s a private thing. Today, it’s normal to have two or maybe three passports, and the national teams have become more and more like clubs,” Weber said.

“Not everybody is singing the national hymn. Agents are focusing on the national teams as well. It’s so different compared to maybe 15 or 20 years ago.”

Time will tell which country Banks, who was born in Hawaii but has spent most of his life in Germany, will ultimately represent.

Having earned 12 caps at youth level for the United States, he was called up to the senior squad in September 2025 but didn’t make his debut.