Azzedine Ounahi took advantage of the 2026 World Cup to confirm his status as a Moroccan executive. Starting in the midfield of the Atlas Lions, the midfielder played the entire Moroccan campaign until the elimination in the quarter-finals against France on Thursday evening. With his ability to break the lines by driving the ball, to resist opposing pressure and to create differences in small spaces, he was quickly identified as one of the most influential players in the selection alongside Ayyoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui. Already noticed during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he impressed against Spain then Portugal, Ounahi made another mark in 2026. His double against Canada in the round of 16 notably strengthened his exposure, with a Moroccan midfielder capable of projecting himself into the surface while maintaining an essential role in Mohamed Ouahbi’s collective balance.
This new major successful competition comes after a season which allowed Azzedine Ounahi to relaunch a career which seemed to slow down after his time at OM. Loaned to Panathinaikos, the Moroccan regained playing time and confidence before joining Girona, where he quickly found a major role in Michel’s system. His club performances confirmed the signals observed with his selection. The contrast is important with his Marseille adventure, marked by injuries, significant competition and irregular performances after his arrival from Angers in January 2023. Now under contract with Girona until 2030, the number 8 of the Atlas Lions sees his rating start to rise again while several European clubs are monitoring his situation.
Ajax conducts intense negotiations
Indeed, Ajax has placed Azzedine Ounahi among its priorities to strengthen its midfield. According to information from Fabrizio Romanothe Dutch club is in discussions to try to sign the Moroccan midfielder and is currently working on the conditions of the operation. Ajax’s interest is also linked to Michel’s desire to be able to count on a player he knows perfectly after his time at Girona. The Amsterdam leaders always appreciate, according to the Italian journalist, his complete profile, capable of playing in a relay or more advanced role, and are now seeking to find an agreement while the financial file represents a significant obstacle. The 26-year-old Moroccan midfielder is linked to the Spanish club until June 2030 and has a release clause announced around 25 million euros.
And Ounahi already seems to have fans in the Netherlands, including journalist Henk Spaan who said in his column for Het Parool : “Moroccan number 10 Ounahi is full of talent but was only able to prove dangerous once, shortly before the end of the match. The value on Transfermarkt of this player is only 10 million euros. A boon for Ajax, perhaps? It’s better than Steur, in any case”. Ajax is going all out by trying to negotiate a lower amount in order to reach a more advantageous agreement, but Girona has no obligation to sell his player after having invested in him and after seeing his value increase thanks to his performances with Morocco and at club. After going through a delicate period in Marseille, Azzedine Ounahi today finds himself at the center of the attentions of a European giant who wants to take advantage of his return to the forefront.
