North Macedonia pursuing Dukan Ahmeti, Edin Jakupi, Zidan Tairi and the Debrachi brothers

North Macedonia's national teams at all youth levels are entering a busy period, with activity expected from U15 and U16 squads up to the U21s and the senior national side. The federation and coaching staff are keeping a close eye on players from the diaspora who could strengthen the pool.

Among the names under consideration are several young prospects already known to Macedonian followers. First on the list is Dukan Ahmeti, an 18-year-old forward who is a first-team player for Croatian side Istra. Ahmeti is a Croatian U19 international, has accumulated significant minutes at Istra, scored against Hajduk, provided an assist versus Rijeka and in the same match against Dinamo both scored and set up a goal. His family originates from Pirok in the Tetovo area.

Another prospect is Edin Jakupi, born in 2009 and only 17, who comes from the village of Tateshi near Struga. Jakupi is part of Rapid Vienna's organisation and currently plays for their second team. He is a central midfielder with notable minutes in Austria's youth national teams. His brother Valdet previously featured for North Macedonia at youth level. Urgency is required in this case: Edin has one appearance in a friendly for Albania U15, so any approach should be prompt.

Swiss-trained midfielders in the mix

Zidan Tairi, born in 2009 and with roots in Gostivar, is an attacking midfielder who developed in Zurich's academy before moving to Hoffenheim in Germany. After limited senior opportunities there he returned to Switzerland and signed for Aarau, where he has logged solid minutes this season, mainly coming off the bench. Tairi has accumulated more than forty appearances for Switzerland across youth levels up to U19.

The Debrachi family also features in the scouting picture. Andrin Debrachi, born in 2008 and playing at Aarau, is already competing for places in Switzerland's senior setup at youth level. His older brother Dorian Debrachi, born in 2006 and originally from Struga, began his career at Aarau and now turns out for Thun. Dorian is a central midfielder who has reached the Switzerland U21s and has recorded more than twenty appearances in Swiss national youth colours.

All of these players are eligible targets for North Macedonia because of their heritage. The national setup faces a race against time to persuade eligible players to commit before other federations cap-tie them at senior level.

Securing players from the diaspora remains a priority as the country seeks reinforcements for its youth and senior squads ahead of key competitive windows.

Photo: press material from the event