Wael Mohya’s Morocco-Germany decision could be influenced by Klopp call-up

At 17, Wael Mohya is emerging as one of the Bundesliga’s most highly regarded young players, and his rapid rise could prompt Jurgen Klopp to intervene in the contest between Morocco and Germany for his international allegiance.

The attacking midfielder was born in Mettmann, near Dusseldorf, to Moroccan parents and holds both nationalities. His father was born in Morocco, while part of Mohya’s family still lives there. However, he developed through Germany’s youth teams and currently represents the Mannschaft at Under-21 level.

Mohya said during the summer that he remained in contact with both football associations and wanted time before making a decision. He also insisted that the prospect of playing an international tournament in Morocco would not determine his choice.

According to Sport Bild on Wednesday, that consideration is continuing behind the scenes. A first senior Germany call-up from Klopp could prove decisive. Although it would not formally commit Mohya to Germany at the age of 17, the show of faith would give the German Football Association a significant advantage.

For Mohamed Ouahbi and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, the situation presents a growing risk. The more consistently Mohya performs in the Bundesliga, the greater the incentive for Germany to act quickly.

The circumstances have been compared with those involving Younes Ebnoutalib. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker, who was also being pursued by Morocco, accepted Klopp’s approach in September and opted to represent Germany.

“When Kloppo calls you, you have to go,” Ebnoutalib said after making his decision. Mohamed Ouahbi subsequently brought that case to a close, saying a place with the Atlas Lions had to be earned rather than offered simply to get ahead of the competition.

There are important differences between the two situations. Ebnoutalib was 23 and was seeking immediate recognition at senior level, whereas Mohya is only 17 and has time to consider his options. Nevertheless, Klopp’s influence and Germany’s ability to offer a swift senior call-up are arguments Morocco cannot overlook.

The FRMF must therefore set out its plans clearly without creating the impression that a place in the national team is being offered purely to beat Germany. Mohya chose to continue with Germany’s youth sides in September, but he did not completely close the door on the Atlas Lions.

His international dilemma comes as he reaches a new level with Borussia Monchengladbach. On Friday, he scored and provided an assist in Gladbach’s 3-2 win at Stuttgart, a performance that secured the club’s first points of the season after six consecutive defeats.

Mohya is under contract until 2028 and is now valued at about 17m euros. His number 36 shirt is already proving popular, while several European scouts are reportedly attending his matches regularly.

Sport Bild says Gladbach has opened initial talks over an extension. The club and Mohya’s family have agreed to proceed carefully, however, to avoid burdening a teenage player with negotiations, overseas interest and financial expectations.

Borussia Monchengladbach’s survival could also affect his future. If the club is relegated, keeping such a sought-after prospect beyond next summer would become more difficult. Contract talks, European interest and his international choice mean Mohya faces several major decisions sooner than expected.