Younes Ebnoutalib named in Germany squad as Klopp deal deals blow to Morocco hopes

Younes Ebnoutalib has been included in Jurgen Klopp’s first Germany squad, strengthening the likelihood that the Eintracht Frankfurt forward will choose the Mannschaft over Morocco.

The 23-year-old had been courted by both countries for several months, but Klopp’s decision to select him appears to have shifted the contest decisively in Germany’s favour.

Klopp has named two squads containing 44 players in total for his first international break in charge, with several newcomers included. Ebnoutalib is the only recognised striker in the plans alongside Kai Havertz.

His selection follows a report by Sky Sport Germany that he would receive his first Germany call-up.

Klopp also said he had spoken individually to every player selected.

“I spoke to all the players in the squad and every one of them is really excited about playing for us. They are proud to represent Germany,” he said.

Those comments appear particularly significant in Ebnoutalib’s case. A few days earlier, the forward replied “thank you” when a supporter congratulated him on his Germany call-up. He also said that “everything” about joining the Mannschaft excited him.

The decision had appeared far less certain earlier in the year.

Born to a Moroccan father and a German mother, Ebnoutalib represented Morocco at Under-15 level. In February, he posted a photograph of boots bearing the Moroccan flag, which was widely interpreted as a sign of his interest in playing for the Lions of the Atlas.

However, Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi did not select him for the 2026 World Cup. Ebnoutalib publicly acknowledged his disappointment but made it clear that both countries remained possible destinations.

The situation has since changed quickly. Ebnoutalib has scored four goals and supplied two assists in four matches for Eintracht Frankfurt, performances which have attracted Klopp’s attention.

The former Liverpool manager held lengthy discussions with the player and was impressed by his physical presence, ability to play with his back to goal and strength in the air.

Germany’s decision to offer him an immediate opportunity as Klopp begins a new cycle with the national team has added to the appeal.

Ouahbi had attempted to keep Morocco’s hopes alive. The Moroccan coach watched Ebnoutalib in Germany and spoke to him during his recent tour of Europe.

That renewed contact appears to have come too late, however. Critics may argue that Morocco failed to act early enough, particularly after Ouahbi selected Ebnoutalib’s team-mate Ayoube Amaimouni ahead of him for the 2026 World Cup.

At the time, that decision reflected the sporting hierarchy established by the coach. Ebnoutalib’s position has altered considerably since then, with his Bundesliga form earning him an immediate chance under Klopp.

Unless there is a further twist, Germany now appears to have won the battle for his international future, leaving Morocco to regret losing a former Under-15 international just as he began to make a significant impact.