Klopp targets Morocco-eligible talents as Germany weighs Ebnoutalib and El-Faouzi

18:08

The first international window of Jürgen Klopp’s tenure as Germany head coach is already drawing attention in Morocco, with two Bundesliga-based players eligible for the Atlas Lions emerging in the German coach’s plans.

Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib and Schalke midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi have both been linked with Klopp’s first Germany squad. The situation puts renewed focus on the choices facing dual-national players whose careers have developed in Germany but who remain eligible to represent Morocco.

Ebnoutalib moves closer to Germany call-up

Among the two cases, Ebnoutalib appears to be the most advanced. Sky Sport reported that Klopp had personally spoken with the Eintracht Frankfurt striker during a visit to the club, as the German Football Association considers the forward for the national team.

Further Sky Sport reporting indicates that Ebnoutalib is expected to be included in Klopp’s first squad. The German coach is preparing an expanded group for the September Nations League programme, with the official announcement scheduled for September 17.

The 23-year-old has attracted attention after a rapid rise through German football. His strong start to the Bundesliga season has increased interest around his international future, while his eligibility for both Germany and Morocco has made his situation particularly relevant to the Moroccan federation. Moroccan broadcaster SNRT also reported that the player is now facing a significant decision between the country of his birth and Morocco, linked to his family background.

El-Faouzi also on Germany’s radar

Soufiane El-Faouzi represents another dual-national case being monitored from Morocco. The Schalke midfielder holds German and Moroccan nationality and has established himself in German professional football.

Bundesliga records list him as a Germany-Morocco dual national, while the German Football Association's database documents his progression through German football and his appearances for Schalke.

His presence in Klopp’s wider considerations would add another layer to the competition between the two national teams for players developed within the German football system.

A broader approach from Klopp

Klopp’s first Germany selection is expected to reflect his desire to assess a broad range of players. Sky Sport reported that the new coach and his staff were considering an unusually large pool ahead of the Nations League fixtures, with the aim of using the extended international period to examine several profiles.

Germany are due to open their Nations League campaign away to the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 24, before facing Greece in Augsburg on September 27 and Serbia in Munich on September 30.

For Morocco, the timing is particularly notable. The Atlas Lions are preparing for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Gabon on September 25 and Lesotho on September 29.

Morocco watches the dual-national pool

The cases of Ebnoutalib and El-Faouzi underline the increasingly international nature of player recruitment at national-team level. Both have built their careers in Germany, but their eligibility for Morocco gives the Moroccan federation an additional interest in their international development.

The situation is also not entirely new for Ebnoutalib. Sky Sport has previously reported direct contact between Klopp and the striker, while Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi has also been reported to have engaged with him.

The publication of Germany’s squad on September 17 will therefore provide an important indication of how far Klopp intends to integrate the two players into his plans. For Morocco, the outcome will offer further insight into the international futures of two Bundesliga players who remain eligible for the Atlas Lions.