Klopp meets Frankfurt’s Younes Ebnoutalib as Germany pursue international decision

Jurgen Klopp has made a personal approach to Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib in an attempt to persuade the Morocco-eligible youngster to represent Germany.

The German national team coach visited Eintracht Frankfurt, where photographs published by the club showed Klopp speaking with Ebnoutalib. Sky Sport reports that the meeting included a lengthy conversation between the new Germany manager and the 22-year-old player.

Klopp is understood to be highly impressed by Ebnoutalib’s ability and wants to convince him that his international future should lie with Germany rather than Morocco. The player is eligible to play for both countries.

Ebnoutalib was born in Frankfurt and has a German mother and Moroccan father. Those family ties mean he qualifies to represent Germany, although he has previously been called up by Morocco at under-15 level.

The discussion with Klopp comes after Ebnoutalib made a striking start to the new Bundesliga season. He scored a hat-trick against Union Berlin as Eintracht Frankfurt were held to a 3-3 draw.

Ebnoutalib’s performance placed further focus on his international situation, with Germany now seeking to secure his commitment before he makes a senior decision. His previous involvement with Morocco at under-15 level does not prevent him from choosing Germany, given his eligibility through his birthplace and mother.

Images released by Eintracht Frankfurt on the club’s official channels showed Klopp during his visit, including the exchange with Ebnoutalib. Sky Sport’s report said the conversation between the pair did take place, rather than being simply a brief meeting captured for the cameras.

Klopp’s intervention underlines Germany’s interest in the Frankfurt player, who has begun the campaign with an eye-catching display in one of the Bundesliga’s opening matches. However, there has been no indication in the report that Ebnoutalib has made a final decision about which national team he will represent.

The forward remains able to choose between Germany and Morocco, having been born in Frankfurt to parents from both footballing nations. His only previous international experience came with Morocco Under-15s.

For now, the key development is Klopp’s direct involvement. The Germany coach travelled to Eintracht Frankfurt and spoke personally with Ebnoutalib as he seeks to persuade the player to join the Mannschaft instead of the Atlas Lions.