Germany have stepped up their efforts to persuade Eintracht Frankfurt striker Younes Ebnoutalib to choose the Mannschaft, with head coach Jurgen Klopp reportedly holding a lengthy conversation with the 22-year-old.
Ebnoutalib has appeared increasingly likely to represent Morocco, having previously sent several strong signals towards the Atlas Lions. However, his rapid rise to prominence has now prompted Germany to make a personal approach.
According to Sky Sport DE, Klopp visited Eintracht Frankfurt and spoke directly with Ebnoutalib. The Germany coach is understood to have been impressed by the striker’s attributes and wants to convince him to commit his international future to Germany.
The timing of the approach follows a remarkable start to Ebnoutalib’s Bundesliga campaign. The Frankfurt-born forward scored a hat-trick in Eintracht Frankfurt’s 3-3 draw with Union Berlin, only a few months after he was still playing in Germany’s lower divisions.
That breakthrough performance came in front of Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi and appears to have reopened the international debate surrounding the striker.
Ebnoutalib is eligible to play for both countries. He was born in Germany to a Moroccan father and a German mother, while his physical profile would appear to fit the traditional demands of a Germany centre-forward.
Standing at 1.91m, he offers strength, the ability to hold the ball up and a significant presence inside the penalty area. Those qualities have made him an attractive option for Klopp as Germany assess their attacking possibilities.
Morocco have previously held the advantage
Until recently, the indications had largely pointed towards Ebnoutalib choosing Morocco.
He came through the Morocco Under-15 set-up and added to speculation about his preference last season when he posted a photograph of his boots, which featured the Moroccan flag. The image was widely viewed as a clear indication of his international ambitions.
Ebnoutalib was not selected for the 2026 World Cup, with Ouahbi opting for other attacking options. The decision disappointed the striker, who subsequently made clear that he was not closing the door on playing for Germany.
His recent performances have changed the picture. After making a decisive contribution in the cup, he followed that display with his Bundesliga hat-trick against Union Berlin, placing himself firmly back among the players being considered for international football.
The key question now is which sporting opportunity appeals most to Ebnoutalib.
Germany could offer him a natural role as a powerful, orthodox centre-forward. Klopp appears to view him as a genuine central striking option, although a starting place would not be guaranteed immediately.
Morocco’s attacking approach has so far followed a different path. Ouahbi has used Ismael Saibari as a false nine, favouring a more mobile attacking structure.
Ebnoutalib would provide a different solution for the Atlas Lions: a focal point in attack, greater aerial strength and a recognised penalty-box presence.
Morocco may have held the emotional advantage in the race for his allegiance, but Klopp’s direct involvement means the contest for Ebnoutalib could now be entering a decisive phase.
Louis Mukoma Fargues
