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Tangier — Moroccan international Azzedine Ounahi has shown little enthusiasm for a potential transfer from Olympique de Marseille to Russian club Spartak Moscow.
Despite Olympique de Marseille reportedly having accepted the Russian club’s offer, the Moroccan midfielder remains cautious about the move as he weighs his options ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Marseille has placed Ounahi on the transfer market after deciding not to reintegrate him into their squad for next season. The 24-year-old will return to France on July 1 following a successful loan spell in Greece, where he scored five goals and provided four assists in 25 matches.
However, Ounahi’s playing time at Marseille remains uncertain, prompting the club to seek a suitable destination for the player.
Spartak Moscow has emerged as a serious suitor for Ounahi’s services, submitting an offer worth approximately €12 million, which Marseille quickly accepted.
The Russian club wants to strengthen its midfield and has received permission to negotiate directly with the player, hoping to finalize the deal before the transfer window closes.
Despite the financial agreement between the clubs, media reports indicated that Ounahi appears reluctant to commit to the Russian project.
The timing of the potential transfer creates additional complications for Ounahi. Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and the midfielder wants to secure his place in the national team squad.
Moving to the Russian league could make it more difficult for him to catch the attention of Morocco’s coaching staff, particularly as he would be playing far from the traditional scouting networks that monitor North African players.
Ounahi faces a challenging decision between financial security and sporting ambition. While Spartak Moscow offers a substantial salary and the chance to compete in a competitive league, the midfielder seeks a project that aligns better with his international aspirations.
Marseille now waits for Ounahi to make his final decision. The French club has made its position clear by accepting Spartak’s offer, but it cannot force its player to agree to the transfer as he prioritizes finding the right sporting environment over simply changing clubs for financial reasons.
