Mohamed Ihattaren: the creative force
Mohamed Ihattaren, 24, is Fortuna Sittard’s key player. With a contract ending in 2027, he could leave the club for free in 2028. The midfielder scored 6 goals and provided 10 assists in 28 competitive matches last season, with a total of 17 goal contributions including the KNVB Cup. His first assist of the season came in the opening match against SC Cambuur, when he headed a corner from Ihattaren to Brittijn.
Financial dilemma: sell or keep
Fortuna’s estimated transfer value (ETV) is €2.1 million. A sale would give the club that sum immediately, allowing investment in the squad, especially the attack where coach Danny Buijs has few options. If Ihattaren does not extend his contract, Fortuna risks losing him for free next summer, similar to Kai Sierhuis’s move to NEC.
Potential buyers and career steps
Ihattaren is on the radar of FC Twente, FC Utrecht and Feyenoord. A move would make him the fifth Dutch club after PSV, Ajax, RKC Waalwijk and Fortuna. SciSports’ Career Advice Tool points to Union Sint-Gillis in Belgium as the best option, but the player has yet to make a definitive choice.
The club must decide
For Fortuna it is risky to let a potential multi-million payout slip away. The club can choose to stay and hope for a successful season, or sell and use the financial space for reinforcements. Coach Danny Buijs has said a departure is not unthinkable, but they are waiting for a club willing to pay seriously.
Concrete detail
The decision must be made before the summer transfer window, as Ihattaren’s contract expires in 2027 and he could leave the club free of charge in 2028.
