Mohamed Ihattaren is on the verge of revealing his international allegiance, with speculation mounting over whether he will represent Morocco or the Netherlands.
The talented playmaker, who has been courted by both nations, is expected to address the matter in an upcoming interview.
A change of heart for Ihattaren?
The 23-year-old, who previously committed to the Netherlands at youth level, has sparked fresh debate after being left out of the Jong Oranje squad for their upcoming friendly matches against Italy and Romania.
Initially expected to be included, his omission has fueled speculation that he may be considering a switch to Morocco, the country of his heritage.
According to reports in the Dutch media, this development has unsettled fans and pundits, who fear a repeat of the situation involving Hakim Ziyech.
The Chelsea midfielder, who was also eligible for both nations, ultimately chose to represent Morocco in 2015 after playing for the Netherlands at youth level.
Dutch media express concern
Journalist Mike Verweij, speaking on Kick-off, a podcast by De Telegraaf, suggested that Ihattaren’s exclusion may not be a coincidence.
He highlighted the growing belief that Morocco has been actively persuading the player to switch allegiance, a move that has not been well received in the Netherlands.
The Dutch public has been closely following the case, with many expressing concern over losing another promising talent to the Atlas Lions.
Morocco, fresh from their historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup, remains an attractive option for dual-national players, adding further weight to speculation surrounding Ihattaren’s potential switch.
Official announcement expected soon
Adding to the intrigue, football account Packm announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Ihattaren will break his silence on Sunday in an interview with ESPN NL.
Mohamed Amine Ihattaren s’exprimera demain matin au micro d’ESPN NL concernant son choix de sélection. pic.twitter.com/Vbs5SQzybj
— Packm 🔎•🎥 (@SouhailPackm) March 1, 2025
The discussion is expected to clarify not only his absence from the Netherlands U21 squad but also provide insight into his long-awaited international decision.
With both nations eagerly awaiting his verdict, Ihattaren’s choice could have significant implications for his career and the national teams vying for his commitment.
Whether he follows in the footsteps of Ziyech and chooses Morocco or remains with the Netherlands, his decision will undoubtedly be a defining moment in his footballing journey.
