Fortuna Sittard is poised to make a significant financial gain from the potential sale of Mohamed Ihattaren. The club could receive a substantial transfer fee if the attacking midfielder departs in the upcoming winter window, as his contract runs until mid-2027.
The 24-year-old Ihattaren has been Fortuna Sittard's most impactful player this season. In seven Eredivisie matches, he has scored three goals and provided two assists, making him the team's top scorer. General director Martijn Merks confirmed that a deal must work for all parties. "We would wish that for him, but a transfer has to be good for the player and for Fortuna." Merks said.
Contract extension as strategy
Fortuna Sittard extended Ihattaren's contract by a year earlier to prevent a free transfer. That move now proves key for the club's finances. If the player were to leave next summer, Fortuna Sittard would receive no compensation. A winter sale is therefore the last opportunity to earn money from their most valuable asset. Estimates of his market value range from two to 3.5 million euros.
Record fee in sight
A sale around that figure could enter the club's history books. Fortuna Sittard's current transfer record is held by Tijjani Noslin, who moved to Hellas Verona for three million euros. To break that record, any offer for Ihattaren would need to exceed three million. Other major outgoing transfers include Zian Flemming (2.5 million to Millwall) and Mark van Bommel (2.7 million to PSV).
Ihattaren's form is a key driver of the interest. Under manager Danny Buijs, he has registered six goals and eleven assists in all competitions this term. Fortuna Sittard currently sit sixth in the Eredivisie with thirteen points from seven games. The coming weeks offer Ihattaren another stage to show his value, starting with the next fixture at home against FC Twente. Fans can check the current standings and the full squad.
Ihattaren, who previously played for PSV, Juventus and Ajax, has yet to earn a senior cap for the Netherlands or Morocco. His focus remains on club football. Fortuna Sittard's board is keeping all options open, aware that the next few months are decisive. The winter transfer window opens in just over two months.
Background and full detail: Headliner.nl
