Borussia Monchengladbach teenager Wael Mohya chooses Germany over Morocco

Wael Mohya is set to join Germany’s Under-20 squad for the next international break, dealing a setback to Morocco’s efforts to secure the Borussia Monchengladbach prospect.

The 17-year-old had been expected to switch his sporting allegiance to the Lions of the Atlas after months of efforts by the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) to convince him.

Reports had suggested Mohya had turned down youth call-ups from Germany while considering a move to Morocco. Sources close to the FRMF also said his desire to represent Morocco dated back to before the last World Cup and that preparations for a change of sporting nationality were under way.

However, Mohya has now opted to continue with Germany, at least for the time being. He is not understood to have ruled out representing Morocco in future, but wants to see how far his international career with the Mannschaft can take him and whether it could eventually lead to a place in the senior side.

For now, that leaves Morocco as his second choice.

Born in Mettmann to Moroccan parents, Mohya joined Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016. An attacking midfielder who can operate in several forward positions, he progressed through the club’s age groups before reaching the first team.

Last season, he made 17 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist in 549 minutes. In the process, he became the youngest player in Gladbach’s history to feature in an official match.

Despite Borussia Monchengladbach’s poor start to the current Bundesliga campaign, Mohya’s potential remains clear. He has already played in four matches this season.

His decision to remain with Germany also has a clear sporting basis. Mohya is already familiar with the national set-up, having represented the Mannschaft at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level.

The situation bears similarities to that of Younes Ebnoutalib, another German-Moroccan prospect who was pursued by Morocco before choosing Germany. The striker later said one factor had been particularly influential: a personal call from Jurgen Klopp.

Mohya and Ebnoutalib underline the challenge facing the FRMF. Morocco has won a number of battles for dual-national players, including several recent successes involving young footballers from Belgium’s national teams. Convincing a player already established in Germany’s powerful development system, however, represents a different task.

Mohya’s decision is not necessarily final. Playing for Germany Under-20 does not automatically close the door to the Lions of the Atlas. For now, though, the teenager appears determined to pursue his chances with the country of his birth before possibly turning to Morocco.

That waiting strategy is similar to Ebnoutalib’s, leaving the FRMF to decide whether it is prepared to accept the risk of losing him permanently.