Girona have opened the bidding for Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, with a number of clubs expected to explore a move for the player during the current summer transfer window.
Ounahi has returned to Girona after taking several weeks off following his involvement with Morocco at the World Cup. He has now rejoined the squad for training, although his long-term future at the club remains uncertain.
The midfielder is expected to be one of the most closely watched players in the Catalan club’s transfer dealings over the coming weeks. His performances last season, combined with the exposure he received at the World Cup, have attracted attention from clubs in Spain and elsewhere.
Ounahi is regarded as an important member of the Morocco national team, and that status has contributed to the growing interest in his availability. Several sides continue to monitor developments, with Girona aware that the player’s profile has risen significantly.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Ounahi has been linked with a number of La Liga clubs in recent weeks. Villarreal have been identified as one of the interested teams, while other Spanish clubs are also understood to be considering a move.
Sources close to the player have also said that Barcelona and Real Madrid have made enquiries about the possibility of signing him. However, none of those approaches has resulted in a formal offer so far.
Ajax had appeared to be among the clubs best placed to complete a deal. The Dutch club has since fallen back in the race, with Girona’s financial demands and intense competition for the Morocco international making an agreement more difficult.
Girona are conscious that Ounahi is one of their most valuable assets and have no intention of allowing him to leave on unfavourable terms. Although the indications suggest that it is unlikely the midfielder will remain in the second division, the club hope the level of demand for his services will lead to a substantial transfer fee that satisfies all parties.
For now, Ounahi has quietly resumed work with Girona and is once again wearing the club’s colours. His next destination remains one of the major unanswered questions of the summer, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and other interested clubs yet to turn their enquiries into an official bid.
Until his future is resolved, the Morocco international will continue preparing with Girona while waiting to discover the next chapter of his career.
