Younes Ebnoutalib is expected to receive his first call-up for Germany after Morocco overlooked the Eintracht Frankfurt striker for the 2026 World Cup.
The 23-year-old has made an impressive start to the season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in four matches for his club.
According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany, Germany manager Jurgen Klopp is set to include the 1.91m centre-forward in his squad for the forthcoming international break, barring a late change.
Such a move would represent a major disappointment for Morocco, who had previously appeared to be among the player’s international options.
Ebnoutalib, whose father is Moroccan and whose mother is German, sent a clear signal to Morocco in early February, shortly after the frustration of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Having previously represented Morocco at Under-15 level, he posted a picture of his new boots carrying the Moroccan flag.
However, when Mohamed Ouahbi took charge of the Atlas Lions at the beginning of March, he did not select Ebnoutalib for the 2026 World Cup. Instead, the coach opted for his Eintracht Frankfurt team-mate Ayoube Amaimouni, who is 21 and has won four caps.
Ebnoutalib expressed his disappointment at the end of July, while making it clear that Germany remained a possibility.
“Playing for the national team is clearly an objective. I am open to representing Morocco or Germany. I was a little disappointed not to have been selected by Morocco for the World Cup,” he said.
The balance has since shifted towards Germany as the striker’s performances have attracted increasing attention. Klopp reportedly held lengthy discussions with Ebnoutalib in an attempt to persuade him to join the Mannschaft.
Ebnoutalib’s physical presence has been a key part of his appeal. He is effective with his back to goal and strong in the air, qualities that have impressed the former Liverpool manager.
Ouahbi also travelled to watch the forward in the Bundesliga. In recent days, Ebnoutalib had been tipped to feature among the new names in Morocco’s squad for the two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Gabon and Lesotho on 25 and 29 September.
But Germany now appears ready to act first, with Ebnoutalib set to move closer to committing his international future to the country.