FC Augsburg has announced it has signed defender Noahkai Banks to his first professional contract.
The 17-year-old has signed a three-year deal through 2027, with the option of a further two years.
The German-born defender has represented the U.S. at various youth levels, and made the jump to the U-19 side in the March international window.
Banks is considered one of the top defensive prospects in the American player pool, and could now make his Bundesliga debut in the upcoming season.
“Noahkai is a very talented central defender who we believe can make the jump to the Bundesliga. Last season in particular showed that he can adapt quickly to the next higher category and, thanks to his performances in the U-23s, has earned this step into the professional team squad,” said Augsburg sporting director Marinko Jurendic in a club release.
Our homegrown talent Noahkai Banks signs his first professional contract with FCA ❤️💚🤍
Congratulations Noahkai, looking forward to your 10th season at the club 👏 pic.twitter.com/aCAXIVX8DT
— FC Augsburg (@FCA_World) July 10, 2024
Banks profiles as a potentially elite center back prospect, with a 6-foot-3 frame and excellent ability on the ball.
Augsburg added that Banks would not participate in this month’s U-20 Concacaf Championship, which will serve as a qualifying tournament for the U-20 World Cup.
The teenager will instead prepare for the upcoming Bundesliga season with Augsburg’s first team, and will travel with the team to a training camp in South Africa.
“I am delighted that I have been given the chance to make it through to the pros. A childhood dream has come true for me and I will do everything I can to be able to play for FCA in the Bundesliga in the future,” added Banks, who has been in Augsburg’s academy for nearly a decade.
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