Germany move to snatch rising star Younes Ebnoutalib from Morocco

Germany are reportedly stepping up efforts to convince Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib to commit his international future to them rather than Morocco.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp recently visited Frankfurt and held lengthy talks with the 22-year-old attacker, according to Sky Sport.

The reported meeting gave Klopp the opportunity to discuss Ebnoutalib’s international future as Germany attempt to persuade one of the Bundesliga’s emerging talents to represent the country.

For Morocco, the development represents another potential battle to retain a player eligible to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eligible for Morocco and Germany

Ebnoutalib was born in Frankfurt to a German mother and Moroccan father, making him eligible to play international football for both countries.

The forward already has a connection with Morocco, having previously received a call-up to the country’s Under-15 national team.

However, his rapid rise in German football and impressive start to the Bundesliga season have increased interest in his international future.

Speaking recently to Hessenschau after being left out of Morocco’s World Cup squad, Ebnoutalib admitted that playing international football remains one of his major ambitions.

“The national team is definitely a goal, it was a bit of a shame that Morocco didn’t take me to the World Cup,” Ebnoutalib noted, confirming he would gladly represent either Morocco or Germany.

When asked whether he would accept a call-up from Klopp’s Germany, the forward responded: “Yes, 100 percent,” he said without hesitation.

Rapid rise catches Klopp’s attention

Ebnoutalib has reportedly impressed Klopp with his qualities and performances for Eintracht Frankfurt.

The forward announced himself in spectacular fashion at the start of the Bundesliga campaign, scoring a hat-trick in Frankfurt’s 3-3 draw against Union Berlin.

His journey to Germany’s top flight has been equally remarkable.

Just 18 months ago, Ebnoutalib was playing in the fourth tier of German football with FC Gießen.

His rapid development has transformed him into one of the Bundesliga’s most talked-about emerging attackers and placed him on the radar of two national teams.

Morocco face another international eligibility battle

Ebnoutalib now faces a significant decision over his international future, with both Morocco and Germany presenting attractive opportunities.

Morocco have enjoyed considerable success in recent years by attracting players from the African diaspora, building a squad containing talent developed across Europe’s leading football nations.

However, the competition for dual-nationality players remains fierce, particularly when major European nations become involved.

Klopp’s reported personal intervention demonstrates just how highly Germany rate Ebnoutalib.

For Morocco and the Atlas Lions, the challenge will now be convincing the Frankfurt-born forward that his international future belongs with the country of his father’s heritage rather than his birthplace.

The battle for Ebnoutalib’s allegiance could become one of the latest high-profile contests between an African football nation and a European powerhouse for one of the continent’s eligible emerging talents.