Saudi Union Pursues Moroccan Talent to Fill Midfield Void
The Saudi Arabian football club, Al-Ittihad, is actively seeking to bolster its midfield following the departure of French star N'Golo Kanté, who recently transferred to Turkish club Fenerbahçe during the winter transfer window. This strategic move comes as Al-Ittihad aims to reclaim its status as a top contender after a disappointing previous season, where the team exited the AFC Champions League in the quarter-finals and missed out on both the Roshan League and the King’s Cup titles.
With Kanté's exit stemming from stalled contract renewal negotiations, Al-Ittihad's management has reportedly identified Moroccan international Azzedine Ounahi as a prime candidate to fill the gap left by the seasoned midfielder. Ounahi, who has gained recognition for his performances, particularly in the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored twice and led the Moroccan national team to the quarter-finals, is now a hot target for the Saudi club.
Ounahi, aged 26, joined Girona FC in August 2025 for a fee of €6 million from French club Marseille but now finds himself in a challenging position as Girona has been relegated to the second division of Spanish football. His contract with Girona runs until the summer of 2030, and during his tenure, he has made 24 appearances, scoring five goals and providing three assists. His impressive track record also includes stints at Angers, Marseille, Strasbourg, and Panathinaikos in Greece.
The task of securing Ounahi's services will not be straightforward for Al-Ittihad, as several European clubs, including Atlético Madrid, Brighton, and Fiorentina, have also expressed interest in acquiring him. The competition for the talented midfielder's signature could prove to be fierce, making this transfer saga one to watch in the upcoming months.
As reported by eremnews.com.
