FC Barcelona are exploring the transfer market to address the extended absence of Frenkie de Jong, who is set to be sidelined for several months with a knee injury. According to Spanish outlets, including journalist Gonzalo Tortosa and the television programme El Chiringuito, the Catalan club has added Moroccan international midfielder Azzedine Ounahi to its shortlist of potential reinforcements.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a strong 2025-2026 campaign with Girona FC, featuring in 25 La Liga matches, scoring five goals and providing two assists. He also impressed for the Atlas Lions at the 2026 World Cup, further raising his profile among Europe’s leading clubs.
Reports from Spain suggest Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick values Ounahi’s ability to receive the ball under pressure, change the tempo of play and link midfield with attack – attributes seen as complementary to those of De Jong, who is expected to be out for three to six months.
Ounahi is being weighed alongside another name on Barcelona’s radar, Germany international Leon Goretzka, who is regarded as more physically imposing but less creative in possession. The Moroccan, by contrast, is described as a dynamic ball-carrier capable of accelerating transitions between the lines.
Competition for his signature remains stiff, however, with Ajax Amsterdam also closely monitoring the situation, while several other major European clubs are reportedly interested in the midfielder, according to reports circulated over the weekend.
Financially, Barcelona remain bound by La Liga’s strict financial fair play regulations, which could complicate any major deal during the summer window. A loan with an option to buy, or a structure involving an outgoing player to balance the books, cannot be ruled out should the Catalan club decide to formalise their interest in the Moroccan international.
No transfer fee or contract terms have been officially discussed by either club, and Girona FC has made no statement regarding any negotiations with Barcelona.
Ounahi came through the ranks at DHJ El Jadida before moving to Europe with Angers SCO, later joining Olympique de Marseille and then Girona FC. His standout performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar had already caught the eye of several top European sides, though no major move materialised at the time. Four years on, his game appears to have gained in consistency and maturity, fuelling renewed interest from elite clubs.
For the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, a potential move to Barcelona would represent another showcase for Moroccan football, which has continued to build momentum on the back of strong results across the national teams in recent seasons. Developments in the transfer saga are expected in the coming days as La Liga’s new season approaches.
