No formal Morocco approach for Feyenoord prospect Shaqueel van Persie

There have been no formal talks between the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and Feyenoord forward Shaqueel van Persie, despite reports that Morocco are considering an approach for the 19-year-old.

Van Persie, the son of former Netherlands international Robin van Persie, has attracted growing attention in recent weeks amid claims that Morocco were trying to persuade him to represent the Atlas Lions. He is eligible through his mother’s Moroccan heritage.

However, Moroccan outlet Hesport reports that neither the player nor his representatives or family have been contacted by the federation. That contradicts reports suggesting Morocco had already begun moves to secure his international future.

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has also not made contact with Van Persie, either directly or through those around him. According to the report, the coaching staff want to continue monitoring the teenager’s development before taking any official steps.

Ouahbi is yet to be fully convinced by Van Persie’s current technical ability, the report adds. As a result, the striker remains under observation and there have been no negotiations over the country he could represent at senior level.

Van Persie is regarded as one of the emerging talents in Feyenoord’s academy and plays as a centre-forward. He has already represented Netherlands Under-17s, making six appearances for them this season.

Although he has played for Netherlands youth teams, those appearances do not prevent him from choosing Morocco in the future. Under the rules governing the eligibility of players who can represent more than one country, he remains able in principle to make that decision later in his career.