British-born defender of Zambian descent, Jadel Katongo, and the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) have resumed talks over a potential switch of his international allegiance, three years after he turned down a call-up for the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March 2023.
Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant on Thursday confirmed the development.
“Well, he is interested. He wants to play for Zambia now,” Grant said.
It is understood that Katongo’s father, who is Zambian, has now taken the lead in discussions with the FAZ technical director to explore the possibility of his son representing the Chipolopolo. Grant is also pushing for the process to be concluded as soon as possible.
In 2023, BolaNews reported that Katongo’s naturalization process stalled because his handlers were skeptical. At the time, his agent was weighing options, as the defender was widely regarded as a strong prospect for England’s Three Lions.
“Well, the boy is interested to play for Zambia, but his agent is skeptical about him switching allegiance to Zambia. They are the ones delaying the process,” a source close to the discussions told BolaNews.
Katongo back at Man City after loan spells
Katongo, who was born in the United Kingdom to a British mother and Zambian father, currently plays for Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad (EDS).
The 20-year-old made his debut for City in a pre-season clash against Celtic in North Carolina, later featuring in a December 2022 friendly against Girona under Pep Guardiola.
He was a key part of Manchester City’s Under-18 squad during their 2020/21 title-winning campaign as the youngest player in the team, and went on to make 18 appearances the following season as City retained the U18 Premier League trophy, while also breaking into the EDS.
Katongo spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Peterborough United, making 43 appearances, lifting the EFL Trophy in April 2024, and featuring in their League One Play-off final at Wembley.
Ahead of the 2024/25 season, he rejoined Peterborough on loan for a second successive spell, making 23 appearances across League One, the FA Cup, and winning the EFL Trophy.
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