Barcelona eye affordable midfield fix as Ounahi returns to radar

Barcelona have revived interest in 26‑year‑old Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi as a potentially affordable solution for their midfield, following the injury to Frenkie de Jong that could keep the Dutch international out for months. Scouts are reviewing his dossier inside Camp Nou.

Binnen Camp Nou the echo of a restless crowd fades while scouts study a file on the 26‑year‑old midfielder. The club hopes the dossier will confirm his suitability.

Barcelona circles again around Azzedine Ounahi, the Marokkaanse midfielder who was previously linked loudly to Ajax, and Spanish media now place him back on the radar of FC Barcelona. His profile matches the midfield profile Barcelona seeks after De Jong’s setback.

The Catalanen view him as a possible low‑cost midfield fix, especially after Frenkie de Jong’s injury that could sideline him for months, forcing the club to explore budget options. The injury has forced the Catalanen to look beyond the market for cheap options.

Volgens the Betrouwbaarheidsmeter, Ounahi ranked high on Ajax’s list after his impressive World Cup‑2026 showing with Morocco. The ranking reflected his technical strength displayed during the tournament.

Technical director Jordi Cruijff is busy securing reinforcements and admits more work is needed to fill the void left by De Jong. He stresses the urgency of finding a replacement quickly.

Voor Barcelona, Ounahi is attractive because of his technical qualities and a relatively low price tag, making him stand out among other targets. Such a profile is rare in the current transfer market.

He could be available for roughly ten million euros after Girona’s relegation, a figure that fits comfortably within Barcelona’s financial plan, especially with the possible departure of youth product Marc Casadó. The amount aligns with Barcelona’s broader cost‑control strategy.

Real Betis also shows interest and is prepared to invest heavily, creating competition for his signature. Betis’s willingness to spend heavily underscores the competitive nature of the chase.

The name Ounahi was explicitly mentioned by Barcelona at the end of 2022 and the start of 2023; his strong World Cup performance in Qatar left a lasting impression, although a move to Camp Nou did not materialise then. The earlier speculation faded after the player chose a different path.

In January 2023 he transferred to Olympique Marseille, leaving the door open for a future top‑club opportunity, and the coming weeks will determine the next step in his career. His next move will be closely watched by both clubs and fans.