Morocco head coach Walid Regragui is preparing to hand a first international call-up to Athletic Bilbao striker Marouane Sanadi for the Atlas Lions’ upcoming friendly matches.
Regragui has reportedly held discussions with the Spanish-born forward about representing Morocco at the senior level.
He was recently spotted at the Basque derby between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao at Anoeta Stadium, where he observed Sanadi in action alongside Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd.
According to reports, Sanadi is currently finalizing the necessary paperwork to switch his international allegiance, including obtaining a Moroccan passport, to complete FIFA’s eligibility requirements.
He is expected to be available for selection next month when Morocco face Tunisia and Benin in international friendlies.
Regragui’s interest in Sanadi is said to be driven by the striker’s promising talent and as a contingency plan amid uncertainty over the availability of Al Ain forward Soufiane Rahimi, who may be unavailable due to his club’s training camp in the United States ahead of the Club World Cup.
Morocco’s friendly fixtures against Tunisia and Benin are scheduled for next month.
