Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi was one of the breakout stars of the FIFA World Cup 2022. The 22-year-old was a key part of the team that surprised everyone by making it as far as the semi-finals, toppling giants like Spain and Brazil along the way.
Ounahi currently plies his trade for Angers SCO in Ligue 1, but his performances at the biggest stage of all over the past month have put him on the radars of several notable clubs across Europe.
Among the midfielder’s admirers are FC Barcelona. The Blaugrana’s pursuit of a new midfielder is no secret amidst uncertainties surrounding the future of Sergio Busquets and Franck Kessie’s failure to adapt since joining the club in the summer.
But given their financial problems, the Catalan giants are looking for cost-effective options in the market and Ounahi emerged as a possible target for the club.
However, Barcelona are seeing any possibilities of signing the Moroccan international diminish quite rapidly. Recent reports had suggested that a move to Napoli could be on the horizon for Ounahi.
And now, journalist Ben Jacobs is reporting that Leicester City are also interested in signing Ounahi and have tabled an offer worth £25 million for the midfielder.
As per the update, the Premier League club are offering a fixed fee of £17 million with the total package, including add-ons and bonuses, rising up to £25 million.
However, Ounahi’s club, Angers, are seeking at least £35 million for their prized asset, who has suddenly become a wanted commodity in the transfer market.
Given Barcelona’s current Financial Fair Play issues, a move for Ounahi in the January transfer window is very much out of the question. And with clubs like Leicester, Napoli and Olympique de Marseille looking to move for him, the Blaugrana are likely to see miss out on his capture.
Source: Barca News
