Barcelona Actively Pursues Azzedine Ounahi Following De Jong's Injury

In light of a serious injury to Frenkie de Jong, FC Barcelona has been compelled to reassess their midfield options and explore the transfer market for potential reinforcements. The talented Dutch midfielder is expected to be sidelined for four to five months as he recovers from a tear in his medial collateral ligament, which is prompting the club to act quickly. With the urgency to bolster their midfield further heightened by the recent departure of Marc Casado, Barcelona is turning its attention towards Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who has emerged as a cost-effective solution to their current dilemma.

Reports indicate that Ounahi could be available for approximately €10 million following the relegation of Girona FC from La Liga, making him an appealing target for the financially constrained Catalan club. This situation has led to an increased interest in Ounahi, especially after he caught the eye of Barcelona executives during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where his exceptional performances helped Morocco reach the semi-finals for the first time in history.

Ounahi's Rise to Prominence and Competition from Rivals

Ounahi's reputation has grown tremendously since his standout displays on the global stage, and Barcelona has been keeping tabs on him since late 2022. Although the club initially considered making a formal offer, Ounahi ultimately signed with Olympique de Marseille in January 2023. Now, with Girona's relegation, Barcelona sees an opportunity to revisit their interest in securing his services.

However, Barcelona may face stiff competition for Ounahi’s signature, particularly from domestic rivals like Real Betis, who are also keen on acquiring the talented midfielder. With Ounahi reportedly eager to finalize his future quickly, Barcelona must act swiftly to secure his services before other interested clubs make their move in this transfer window. Given the pressing need for midfield reinforcements, Ounahi could provide Barcelona with the depth and quality they require to navigate the challenges ahead in the upcoming season.

As reported by goal.com.