Germany U21 Players Excited for Homecoming Match Against Malta

Head coach Antonio Di Salvo’s Germany U21 squad has announced two notable call-ups for the upcoming international break in November, both of whom are eagerly anticipating a special homecoming. Southampton defender Joshua Quarshie, who excelled during his loan at SpVgg Greuther Fürth in the 2024/25 2. Bundesliga season, and Heidenheim midfielder Arijon Ibrahimovic, who hails from the region and developed through the Fürth academy, are set to return to familiar territory.

Quarshie attributes his rise in stature to his time with the Kleeblätter, which significantly boosted his profile and paved the way for his current position in the EFL Championship. Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic credits the SpVgg academy for his entire footballing journey, having trained with the smaller Nürnberg metropolitan-area club before advancing to 1. FC Nürnberg and subsequently the Bayern Munich campus.

Both players have expressed their enthusiasm for Friday’s 2027 UEFA U21 European Championship qualifying match against Malta at the Sportpark Ronhof. In an interview with Kicker, Quarshie shared, “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again. It wasn’t an easy season last year, but we had some great moments. I’m glad I got the chance to go to England this offseason. The Premier League is a dream of mine, and the move to Southampton [in the Championship] is the first step in that direction.”

Ibrahimovic echoed similar sentiments during a DFB media roundtable, stating, “I’m really happy to be back. The whole family lives in this area. I was given a great welcome [to the U21s] and am really grateful for the change of scenery after my Bundesliga loan club suffered a humiliating defeat last weekend. We won’t underestimate the opponent [Malta], and will hopefully deliver.”