Noahkai Banks signs a professional contract at FCA

Academy product receives pro deal

After Mert Kömür and Mahmut Kücüksahin both made their Bundesliga debut for FCA last season, the club has tied down another academy player to a professional contract. 17-year-old Noahkai Banks has signed a three-year deal valid until 30th June 2027, with the option of two further years.

Banks, who holds both German and American citizenship, has been at FC Augsburg since the U10 age group. The 1.93m centre-back played 16 games in the U19 Bundesliga and six matches in the Regionalliga Bayern for the U23s last season. The youngster scored two goals in these six games in the fourth division. Banks has also represented the United States, including at the U17 World Cup last winter.

Banks to miss CONCACAF Under-20 Championship to focus on FCA

The 17-year-old centre-half had received a call-up to the USMYNT for this summer’s CONCACAF Under-20 Championship, but has decided to make the most of his chance to join the FCA senior squad for their training camp in South Africa.

“I’m delighted to be given the chance to prove myself in the first team. It’s a childhood dream come true for me and I’ll do everything I can to make it to the Bundesliga with FCA,” said a delighted Banks after signing his new deal.

“Noahkai is a very talented centre-back who we believe can make the leap to the Bundesliga. He showed last season that he can adapt quickly to a higher level and his performances in the U23s have earned him his place in the first team. We are delighted to be able to promote yet another player from our youth academy to professional football. We will continue to work with Noahkai individually, and give him the best possible support for his personal journey towards becoming a Bundesliga player,” said FCA sporting director Marinko Jurendic.