Ayoub Oufkir chooses Morocco despite Netherlands’ efforts to keep AZ Alkmaar winger

Mohamed Ouahbi’s decision to call up Ayoub Oufkir appears to have paid off after the 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar winger chose to represent Morocco, despite remaining part of the Netherlands’ plans.

The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed it was disappointed by the player’s decision, which was communicated to the organisation on Wednesday afternoon, according to Algemeen Dagblad.

Oufkir had been considered a promising option for the Oranje and had recently appeared to reassure the Dutch federation that he remained open to continuing with the Netherlands.

“We are disappointed that Ayoub has chosen to represent Morocco,” KNVB football director Nigel de Jong said.

“We identified his talent and potential at an early stage and did everything we could to keep him. There had been mutual trust expressed several times, including as recently as last week, before the upcoming international break.”

Oufkir had started for the Netherlands Under-21 side during the previous international gathering. Their manager, Michael Reiziger, had been counting on him for the forthcoming Euro Under-21 qualifying play-offs.

The player’s club coach, Leeroy Echteld, also confirmed that Oufkir had made his choice.

“In the beginning, I will always push him towards the Netherlands because I am from here, but it is his choice. Ayoub will play for Morocco,” Echteld said.

The decision gives further context to Ouahbi’s decision to select Oufkir, which had prompted questions in Morocco. The winger had scored twice in 10 Eredivisie appearances and was not yet an undisputed starter for AZ Alkmaar.

Some supporters suspected that the Morocco manager was attempting to secure the Rotterdam-born player before the Netherlands made a formal move.

The situation is similar to the recent case of Younes Ebnoutalib, who eventually opted to join Germany, while Wael Mohya has also since become involved in the competition between national teams.

De Jong’s comments now indicate that the Dutch interest in Oufkir was genuine. Ouahbi had previously defended the call-up by highlighting the winger’s qualities, describing him as “very dynamic, very quick and very technical”, with the ability to beat opponents and deliver good crosses.

The Moroccan manager’s decision therefore appears to have secured the player’s international allegiance, although a first call-up does not permanently settle a footballer’s international future if he does not play.

Oufkir will have the opportunity to make his first appearance for the Lions of the Atlas against Niger on 13 and 17 November. Those matches will provide his first chance to show that his decision was based on more than a contest between the Moroccan and Dutch federations.