Noahkai Banks has extended his contract with FC Augsburg ahead of schedule until 2029 – and received special praise.
In two weeks, Sandro Wagner will get started at FC Augsburg and gather his team for the first time on the training ground not far from the WWK Arena. Noahkai Banks will then be involved and want to show from the outset that the new coach can count on him.
At just 18 years of age, the talented center back already has eight Bundesliga appearances under his belt (four of which were rated, with an average of 3.0) and is set to gain further experience in the coming season. That is why FCA has now extended the contract of its home-grown player ahead of schedule until 2029.
“Noahkai has already proven his great potential,” praised managing director Michael Ströll. “He has shown that he can hold his own in professional football. That’s why it’s a strong signal, and we’re all the more delighted that Noahkai has committed himself to FCA for the long term. The fact that a player who came through our youth system is starting his eleventh season in a row with us is a special story and a prime example of our approach.”
This “orientation” is now a top priority at FCA. That is one of the reasons why coach Jess Thorup and sporting director Marinko Jurendic had to leave in the summer despite securing the club’s place in the league early on. Neither of them were said to be entirely convinced by the path taken by the Bundesliga club, which has a lot of potential in its own ranks in Banks and Mert Kömür.
Banks, for whom Roma had offered €12 million in the winter, made his professional debut in January against Stuttgart (0-1) and two weeks later made his first start against Heidenheim (2-1). However, Thorup then opted for the extremely stable back three of Chrislain Matsima, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, and Cedric Zesiger, meaning Banks hardly got a look in.
Nevertheless, the teenager speaks of “great moments” and hopes for more: “I’m hungry for more and want to take the next steps in my development. The club has a clear plan for me and is committed to me for the long term. I’m looking forward to the next few years together.”
