Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been met with a firm rejection from the DR Congo Football Association (FECOFA) after a reported attempt to switch his international allegiance.
Wan-Bissaka, born in England to parents of Congolese descent, reportedly made a private approach to FECOFA expressing his desire to represent the Leopards. This comes after the 26-year-old never received a senior call-up for England, despite featuring at the U20 and U21 levels.
However, FECOFA have made it clear they are no longer interested in Wan-Bissaka’s services. According to a source within the federation, as reported by [multiple news outlets], they feel the defender disrespected them by previously rejecting their call-up in favor of pursuing an England career.
“We simply don’t want him,” the unnamed source stated. “He’s like someone who asks for a relationship and gets rejected, hoping for someone wealthier. When that doesn’t happen, they come back with their tail between their legs.”
The comment highlights FECOFA’s apparent frustration with Wan-Bissaka’s perceived lack of commitment. The defender did represent DR Congo at the U20 level in 2015, but opted for England at youth levels thereafter.
Wan-Bissaka’s initial rejection of a DR Congo call-up might have been a strategic move, hoping to impress Gareth Southgate, the England manager. With England boasting a wealth of talent at right-back, including Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Reece James, Wan-Bissaka found himself continually overlooked.
This recent development leaves Wan-Bissaka in international limbo. With the door seemingly shut with DR Congo and limited prospects with England, the defender may have to focus solely on his club career at Manchester United.
