Czech Republic Pursues Barcelona Talent Oriyon Goren for National Team

Pavel Nedvěd, the professional manager for the Czech Republic's national teams and a celebrated former player, has confirmed that the Czech Football Association is in contact with 17-year-old Israeli midfielder Oriyon Goren, who plays for Barcelona. The Czechs are attempting to persuade Goren, who holds Czech citizenship through his maternal grandparents of Czech-Jewish descent, to represent their senior national team. Nedvěd revealed in a podcast interview that the Czechs have offered Goren a direct spot in the senior squad, bypassing the youth levels. "We are in contact with him, with his family, and with his agent. I think he is a huge talent, not just for Israeli or Czech football, but in general," Nedvěd stated. He acknowledged that Goren also has the option to play for Israel, his father's country, making the decision difficult, but expressed optimism that their offer has piqued Goren's and his family's interest. Goren, who has represented Israel at youth levels, including the U-21 team, has not yet debuted for the senior national team, leaving the door open for him to choose the Czech Republic. Nedvěd praised Goren's technical development and playing style, comparing him to Barcelona star Pedri and suggesting he is ready for the senior team. Goren was recently included in Barcelona's squad for the match against Real Madrid but did not play.