Barcelona are reportedly eyeing Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi’s potential move to Camp Nou following his performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Onahy was a key part of a terrific Moroccan side that surprised everyone with their performance at the World Cup in Qatar. The Atlas Lions became the first African team ever to reach the tournament semi-finals.
They beat Spain, Portugal and Belgium in the semi-finals, and they face France on December 14.
Ounahi has formed a strong partnership with Sofyan Amrabat in Moroccan midfield.His display has allegedly sparked interest from Barcelona World A Coruña.
This Blaugrana A midfielder is being sought in January or next summer to compete with the likes of Pablo Gavi and Pedri Gonzalez. However, their financial situation and La Liga’s FFP rules mean they need to look for low-cost options.
although manchester cityBernardo Silva and Ilkeiguindogan are their first options and the Catalans cannot afford them in January.
Therefore, they intend to sign Onahi, who currently has a market value of 4 million euros. That value will certainly increase with his strong form at the FIFA World Cup, but Barcelona may still want to jump ship and sign him.
The 22-year-old Ounahi currently plays for Ligue 1 club Angers SCO, which he joined from the American Avranches in the summer of 2021. He helped them finish 14th in the league last season with 2 assists and 2 goals in 32 appearances.
However, Angers are currently bottom of the Ligue 1 table.
Ounahi’s contract with the French club expires in 2026 and the aforementioned reports suggest he is interested in a move to barcelona If the offer arrives.
Ex-Barcelona coach Luis Enrique speaks out about Azzedine Onahi after Spain exits FIFA World Cup
Azzedine Onahy played 119 minutes for Morocco in their FIFA World Cup round of 16 tie on 6 December as they beat Spain on penalties. He has won 7 duels with 4 tackles and 1 interception while also creating a great chance.
After the game, former Spain and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique expressed his admiration for Onahi. Although he can’t remember the midfielder’s name, Enrique says:
“I was pleasantly surprised by No. 8, sorry I forgot his name. God, where did this guy come from? He played really well, which surprised me, but he’s the only one we don’t know.”
Onahi has started all five games for Morocco at the World Cup and is likely to start against France in the semi-final.