Reports in Albania suggest that Ireland underage prospect Kevin Zefi is on the verge of switching his eligibility at national level.
The 19-year-old winger is among the highest rated young players in the Irish game, having earned a long-touted move to Inter Milan from Shamrock Rovers in 2021.
It seems as though Ireland fans may never see him line out for the country at senior level, however, if the latest reports from Albania are to be believed.
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Ireland: Kevin Zefi on verge of Albania switch
An Albanian football fan account - generally held as reliable for news updates among the team's fans - has reported that Kevin Zefi is set to link up with the country's U21 side.
🇮🇪🔜🇦🇱 / Kevin Zefi (05/Fw), former Ireland underage international, is set to join Albania U21. pic.twitter.com/XsA1d77W59
— Albanian Football (@AlbaniaFooty) May 23, 2024
That would, of course, seemingly end Zefi's association with the Republic of Ireland.
The Roma winger is of Albanian descent but has lined out for Ireland at U15, U17, U18 and U19 level in previous years.
Zefi is a Dublin native, and spent the early years of his career at Shamrock Rovers before securing a much-heralded move to Serie A with Inter Milan in 2021.
He has since moved to Inter's domestic rivals Roma, a move made in the January transfer window this season.
The 19-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance for the Giallarossi and has made just one appearance for the U19 side.
Zefi had previously been linked with a move to the Premier League with Newcastle United.
As one of the brightest attacking talents in the Ireland youth setup, it would certainly be a blow if the reports of Kevin Zefi's nationality switch were to come to fruition.
He is yet to make an appearance for the Ireland U21 side but, with an international window coming up in September, we will likely soon find out if his first appearance at the age grade will in fact be with Albania.
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