Banks, who is reportedly set to represent Germany, was born in Hawaii to a German mother and an American father before returning to Germany as an infant. He joined Augsburg’s academy as a child and has spent almost all of his life in the country.
That background appears to have proved decisive. The 19-year-old previously represented the United States at youth level and attended a senior USMNT training camp, leaving Mauricio Pochettino’s side hopeful of retaining his allegiance.
The report says Banks has now chosen Germany, ending a period of uncertainty around a defender who has already begun gaining first-team exposure with Augsburg.
For the United States, Banks’ reported decision is a setback, even if his senior international future remains at an early stage. Youth appearances and a training-camp invitation can create momentum, but they do not always determine where a player feels most connected.
Germany’s approach, meanwhile, reflects the importance of offering a clear pathway. Di Salvo said the federation wanted to show both Banks and Ben Farhat how they could develop within the national-team structure.
“I’m very pleased that we have been able to lay out a future pathway with Germany for them and that they agreed with it,” he added.
The next test will be whether Banks is brought into Germany’s Under-21 set-up and how quickly his club progress strengthens his senior credentials. For the United States, the focus now shifts to identifying the next dual-national prospects before Germany - or another national team - makes the decisive move.