Barcelona is purportedly checking Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi for a likely move to Camp Nou following his 2022 FIFA World Cup exhibitions.
Ounahi has played a significant role in the exceptional Moroccan team’s surprise performances at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The Atlas Lions are the first African team to reach the tournament’s semi-finals.
They advanced to the semifinals through victories over Spain, Portugal, and Belgium, where they will face France on December 14.
Ounahi has shaped an imposing organization with Sofyan Amrabat in the Moroccan midfield. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona has shown interest in his performances.
To compete with Pablo Gavi and Pedri Gonzalez, the Blaugrana want to sign midfielders in January or next summer. However, due to La Liga’s FFP rules and their financial situation, they must seek low-cost alternatives.
The Catalans cannot afford Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva or Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan in January.
As a result, they want to sign Ounahi, whose market value is currently €4 million. His impressive performances at the FIFA World Cup will undoubtedly raise his value, but Barcelona may still be interested in signing him.
The 22-year-old Ounahi plays for Angers SCO, a Ligue 1 team that he joined from Avranches, a US club, in the summer of 2021. With two assists and two goals in 32 games, he helped them finish 14th in the league.
However, Angers is currently last in the Ligue 1 standings.
The aforementioned report suggests that Ounahi would be interested in a move to Barcelona if an offer comes in. His contract with the French club runs out in 2026.
Former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique on Azzedine Ounahi after Spain’s exit from FIFA World Cup
Luis Enrique, a former manager of Barcelona, discusses Azzedine Ounahi following Spain’s exit from the FIFA World Cup. On December 6, Azzedine Ounahi assisted Morocco in defeating Spain on penalties in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
He won seven duels, created one big opportunity, made four tackles, and threw an interception.
Luis Enrique, a former manager of Barcelona and Spain, praised Ounahi after the game. Enrique stated, despite his inability to recall the midfielder’s name:
“I was enjoyably astounded by the #8, sorry I fail to remember his name. Where does this man come from, oh my God? It surprised me how well he plays, but he was the only one we weren’t aware of.”
Ounahi has started all five World Cup games for Morocco, likely starting against France in the semis as well.