Mohamed Ihattaren Eyes Feyenoord Move: Release Clause and ‘Dream Club’ Ambitions Revealed

In a move that has sent ripples through the Eredivisie, Mohamed Ihattaren has publicly declared Feyenoord as his dream destination. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder, currently carving out a resurgence at Fortuna Sittard, didn’t just stop at expressing his admiration for the Rotterdam club; he provided a clear financial roadmap for any potential transfer.

Speaking on the program Goedemorgen Eredivisie, Ihattaren was candid about his aspirations and the internal conversations driving them. The Dutch-Moroccan playmaker revealed that his current manager, Danny Buijs, has been a catalyst for this ambition, telling Ihattaren that he possesses the quality required for Feyenoord, provided he can take “another small step” in his development.

The Price of Ambition: A €3 Million Release Clause

For clubs monitoring the situation, the financial barriers appear surprisingly low for a player of Ihattaren’s pedigree. Fortuna Sittard recently activated an option in his contract, extending his stay until mid-2027. However, this extension comes with a release clause set at three million euros.

In a rare move for a professional athlete, Ihattaren himself detailed the flexibility of this arrangement. He suggested that Fortuna Sittard would likely not create difficulties if a bidding club offered a fee slightly below the formal release clause. This openness stems from the fact that Ihattaren joined the club as a free transfer, meaning the team is not expected to dispute minor differences in a potential transfer fee.

According to data from Transfermarkt, Ihattaren’s current market value sits exactly at €3.00m, aligning perfectly with the stipulated buyout figure.

A Season of Redemption in the Eredivisie

The desire for a move to a powerhouse like Feyenoord is backed by a strong run of form. After a career marked by immense early promise and subsequent volatility, Ihattaren has found a rhythm in the current Eredivisie campaign. In 24 appearances this season, he has recorded six goals and 10 assists, establishing himself as a primary creative engine for Fortuna Sittard.

For those who have followed his trajectory, this productivity is a welcome sight. Ihattaren’s journey has been a whirlwind: from a teenage sensation at PSV to a high-profile move to Juventus in 2021, followed by loan spells at Sampdoria and Ajax. After a stint with Slavia Prague in 2024 and a season at RKC Waalwijk (where he scored four goals in 24 games), his time at Fortuna has provided the stability needed to rediscover his attacking instincts.

To put this in perspective for global readers, the Eredivisie often serves as a critical launchpad for young talent in Europe, and Ihattaren is attempting to use it as a second chance to reach the elite level he was once predicted to dominate.

International Shift and Personal Growth

Beyond the club level, 2025 marked a pivotal shift in Ihattaren’s international identity. Born in Utrecht to Moroccan parents and having represented the Netherlands at various youth levels—including winning the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship—Ihattaren officially opted to play for the Morocco national team in 2025.

This international transition, coupled with his current form, paints a picture of a player who is finally aligning his professional ambitions with his personal identity. The move to the Moroccan squad provides him with a new platform to showcase his skills on the global stage, potentially increasing his allure for a club like Feyenoord.

The Tactical Fit: Why Feyenoord?

The link to Feyenoord is not merely sentimental. As an attacking midfielder and winger, Ihattaren’s ability to create chances and find the net from the second line fits the profile of a “logical next step” in his career. His current output of 16 goal contributions in 24 games suggests he is ready for a higher-pressure environment where the expectations are focused on silverware and European competition.

The endorsement from Danny Buijs is particularly significant. When a manager publicly acknowledges that a player is “quality enough” for one of the league’s giants, it often serves as a signal to the market that the player is mentally and tactically prepared for the jump.

As the transfer window looms, the ball is now firmly in Feyenoord’s court. Ihattaren has effectively removed the guesswork from the negotiation process by revealing both his desire to join and the price tag attached to his services. Whether the Rotterdam club decides to act on this “dream club” confession remains to be seen, but the player has made his intentions unmistakably clear.

The next confirmed checkpoint for Ihattaren will be his continued involvement in Fortuna Sittard’s Eredivisie campaign, where every assist and goal will further justify the €3 million valuation.

Do you think Ihattaren is ready for the pressure of a club like Feyenoord, or should he spend another season maturing at Fortuna? Let us know in the comments.