Ex-PSV starlet Mohamed Ihattaren set for Ajax call-up ahead of cup final | OneFootball

As if Sunday’s KNVB Cup final wasn’t looking spicy enough, the likely inclusion of Mohamed Ihattaren in Ajax’s squad could add an additional edge to proceedings.

The 20-year-old midfielder came though the ranks at PSV, but left to join Juventus last summer after falling out with first-team manager Roger Schmidt.

He was initially loaned to Sampdoria, but returned to the Old Lady after failing to make a senior appearance for their Serie A rivals.

Ihattaren also had problems settling in at Ajax after he arrived on a year-long loan in January, in a deal that includes a reported option to buy for €2m.

Asked at the pre-game press conference about the possibility of Ihattaren being involved in the decider at De Kuip, Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag said: “You will see on Sunday.”

Ten Hag did, however, admit that the player’s fitness and attitude had improved in recent weeks.

And Ihattaren’s absence from the Jong Ajax squad that lost 3-1 at Volendam on Saturday would suggest that he will be on the bench for Sunday’s highly anticipated encounter.

We can only imagine the reaction if ten Hag decides to throw the young man into the lion’s den!