Wael Mohya has been called up to the Germany senior squad for the first time by Jurgen Klopp, dealing another blow to Morocco’s efforts to secure one of the country’s eligible young talents.
The 17-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach attacking midfielder has been rewarded for his rapid rise with a place at the highest level of international football. Mohya was born in Mettmann, near Dusseldorf, to Moroccan parents and had been pursued by the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) for several months.
His decision follows the same pattern as the recent international choice made by Younes Ebnoutalib, who opted for Germany after being approached by Morocco.
According to insider Youssef Famz, Mohamed Ouahbi’s staff had recently contacted Mohya about joining the Morocco squad for the November international window. The player is understood to have requested time to consider his options, while leaving the door open to representing the Lions de l’Atlas.
However, indications from his entourage had already suggested that Germany was his preferred destination. That inclination became clearer after Klopp personally spoke to the teenager about his plans and sought to persuade him to commit to the Mannschaft.
The Germany manager’s intervention appears to have proved decisive despite the efforts made by the FRMF. Mohya already has significant experience within Germany’s youth international teams, while his recent Bundesliga displays have accelerated his emergence.
He has scored two goals in consecutive matches for Borussia Monchengladbach at only 17, despite the club’s difficult start to the season. Those performances helped bring him firmly into consideration for a senior call-up.
Mohya’s decision is likely to revive memories of the Ebnoutalib case among Morocco supporters. In September, the Eintracht Frankfurt striker also chose Germany after being contacted by the FRMF, with Klopp again playing an influential role.
“When Klopp calls you, you have to go,” Ebnoutalib said at the time when explaining his decision.
That remark now carries added significance as Morocco suffers a second setback involving a promising eligible player within a matter of weeks. Despite the standing the Lions de l’Atlas have established internationally, Klopp’s appeal remains a difficult one to overcome.
The possibility of a repeat of the Ebnoutalib situation had already been raised while Mohya was still weighing up his international future. For Ouahbi and the FRMF, the outcome represents a genuine disappointment, with another contested decision ending in Germany’s favour.