Rabat – Barcelona are reportedly studying a summer move for Morocco international Azzedine Ounahi as the club considers reinforcing its midfield following Frenkie de Jong’s serious knee injury.
Spanish reports suggest Girona could be prepared to discuss Ounahi’s departure for around $11.5 million. The figure would be manageable for Barcelona if the club first completes a significant player sale.
No official negotiations or bid have been confirmed by Barcelona or Girona, meaning Ounahi’s possible transfer remains at the level of reported interest.
The 26-year-old joined Girona permanently from Olympique de Marseille in August 2025 and signed a five-year contract running until June 30, 2030. Girona reportedly paid around $6.9 million for the midfielder at the time.
Some Spanish reports place Ounahi’s release clause at approximately $28.7 million, considerably higher than the amount Barcelona may attempt to negotiate.
Girona’s relegation has nevertheless increased expectations that the Moroccan could leave rather than spend the coming season in Spain’s second division.
De Jong injury creates midfield uncertainty
Barcelona confirmed on July 23 that De Jong suffered a tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during the 2026 World Cup.
The club has opted for conservative treatment rather than immediate surgery and has not announced a definitive recovery date.
The Dutch international could be unavailable for several months, leaving Hansi Flick with an important position to address before the season begins.
Ounahi is not a direct stylistic replacement for De Jong, but his ability to carry the ball through midfield, operate under pressure and contribute in advanced areas could provide Barcelona with another technical option.
He scored five goals and three assists for Girona during the 2025–2026 campaign, enhancing his reputation before representing Morocco at the World Cup.
Barcelona’s ability to pursue the transfer could also depend on the future of academy graduate Marc Casadó. The Catalan club are reportedly prepared to consider offers of around $46 million for the defensive midfielder, with interest coming from European and Saudi clubs.
A sale at that level would generate considerably more than the reported cost of signing Ounahi while also creating space within Barcelona’s squad and financial limits.
Ajax have also been linked with the Moroccan, meaning Barcelona may face competition if they decide to turn their interest into a concrete proposal. Girona, meanwhile, are not expected to allow a player contracted until 2030 to leave without securing a satisfactory return.
