Brajan Gruda, one of the most promising football talents of Albanian origin, has been making headlines recently. Born in Germany, Gruda currently plays for Brighton in the Premier League and has been attracting interest from the Albanian national football team. The 19-year-old right winger, who has already featured for Germany’s U21 squad, recently spoke to the German media about his future and the possibility of joining his birth country’s senior team.
A Rising Star in the Premier League
Brajan Gruda has been on a remarkable journey, overcoming an injury and returning to the pitch with strong performances for both his club and country. Having joined Brighton, a club that has been developing young talent with great success, Gruda has been impressing fans and pundits alike. Despite his youth, his speed, technical ability, and versatility have made him one to watch in England’s top flight.
His return to form was evident during his recent appearance with Germany’s U21 team, where he provided an assist, contributing to his team’s success. His impressive play has sparked interest not only from club scouts but also from national teams, including Albania, eager to add such a talent to their squad.
Interest from Albania’s National Team
Given Gruda's Albanian roots, it’s no surprise that the Albanian national team has expressed interest in bringing him on board. Albania has been actively seeking players from its diaspora to strengthen its squad, and Gruda’s talent would be a valuable asset. With players like Armando Broja and Nedim Bajrami already representing Albania at an international level, the addition of Gruda could further elevate the team’s competitiveness in upcoming tournaments.
Gruda’s Commitment to Germany, But Open to Albania?
In a recent interview with German sports outlet "Kicker.de," Gruda spoke about his current situation and future goals. When asked about his time with Germany’s U21 team, he expressed satisfaction but made it clear that joining the senior national team remains his ultimate ambition.
“I feel comfortable here with the U21s, but of course, I would be happy to accept an invitation to join the senior team,” Gruda said. “The important thing is to stay healthy. The rest will take care of itself.”
His words leave the door open for the future, but for now, it seems his focus is on Germany’s setup, with hopes of representing the senior team on the international stage. Gruda also outlined his goals for the upcoming European Championship in 2025, expressing confidence in the U21 team’s ability to compete at a high level. “Our goal is to be in the top five, if not the top three. We aim to get back to the top,” he added.
The Road Ahead
As Brajan Gruda continues to develop in the highly competitive environment of the Premier League, his decision regarding his international future will be closely watched by both Germany and Albania. While he has expressed his desire to break into Germany’s senior squad, the possibility of playing for Albania remains a viable option, especially given the national team’s active pursuit of diaspora talent.
For now, Gruda remains focused on his performances at Brighton and with Germany’s U21 team, but the next chapter in his international career is yet to be written. Whether he chooses to don the red and black of Albania or continues his journey with Germany, Brajan Gruda’s talent is sure to shine on the world stage.