The ins and outs of the FIFA international eligibility system is hardly something that hits the headlines all that often, but football fans in this part of the world were very intrigued by the process when it involved Ryan Johansson.
Born in Luxembourg to a Swedish father and Irish mother, Johansson was involved in a tug of war between all three nations. He opted for Ireland, only to for FIFA rules to declare him ineligible as he did not hold an Irish passport when playing for Luxembourg's underage sides.
However, this rule was later changed to allow him to pull on the green jersey. He made his Ireland U21 debut earlier this year.
Johansson was a much sought after talent, coming through the Bayern Munich ranks as a highly thought of prospect, before signing for Sevilla in 2020.
His time in Spain has been blighted by injury, but the 20-year old should finally get some first team football in the upcoming season.
Ryan Johansson has joined Dutch side Fortuna Sittard on a season-long loan deal.
Welkom Ryan Johansson! 👋🏻
De middenvelder wordt op huurbasis overgenomen van Sevilla!#SamenNaoVeure #WelkomRyan pic.twitter.com/hbda24qUGq— Fortuna Sittard (@FortunaSittard) August 13, 2021
Fortuna Sittard are in the top division of Dutch football, finishing 11th in last season's Eredivisie.
The club's technical manager, Sjoerd Ars, revealed he was hugely excited to bring a player of Johansson's calibre on board:
We have been able to conclude a very good deal with Sevilla, which benefits all parties.
Ryan is a talented midfielder who can play in multiple positions. He is well trained in several countries and at several top clubs.
We give him the chance to fly hours and to develop further in the Eredivisie.
It will be interesting to see an Ireland player in the Dutch league once again, with Jack Byrne amongst the players from this part of the world to thrive their in the past.
Johansson is likely to play a major part in the Ireland U21s upcoming Euros qualifying campaign, but considering the relative lack of options in the Irish midfield, a call-up to Stephen Kenny's senior squad may not be out of reach should he perform well with Fortuna Sittard.
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