Rabat – Several football clubs from the Middle East are reportedly keen to sign Morocco’s international Azzedine Ounahi as the player is widely rumored to be leaving French club Olympique de Marseille (OM) in the next transfer window.
According to a report from sport-focused French media Foot Mercato, four Saudi clubs, including Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Shabab, and Al-Ahli, have expressed interest, along with the Qatari club Al-Duhail.
Al-Shabab and Al-Ittihad currently seem to be the most interested in securing Ounahi, the report noted, adding that the two clubs are now working to convince both OM and the player.
The news comes as Ounahi prepares to play with Morocco’s national football team at the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) that is taking place in the coming weeks.
OM signed Ounahi a year ago following his stellar performance with the national football team in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Ounahi has been instrumental to Morocco’s historical run in the World Cup which culminated in the team finishing in fourth place, marking a precedent for Africa and the Arab world.
The French team secured the 23-year-old midfielder for under €10 million in a move that was largely considered by experts as both financially savvy and strategically beneficial.
However, his time with the OM was marred by a toe injury and his initial position on the left did not seem to help bring out his full potential, leading to an inconsistent performance record.
The report argues that given his performance level in the past year, OM appears open to the idea of Ounahi’s departure this winter, as they recognize his market value and the potential for a lucrative transfer deal.
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