Following a string of very impressive displays for an underdog Moroccan side in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Leeds United became heavily linked with 22 year old midfielder Azzedine Ounahi. Now, in today’s latest news around his imminent departure from Angers, it looks as though Ounahi will leave the French side for a fee substantially short of Leeds’ reported €25 million bid.
Vital Leeds have been covering the ongoing links between Leeds and Ounahi over the past few weeks, with speculation that the Whites had outbid Serie A league leaders Napoli’s bid in the region of €15 to 20 million for the Moroccan star’s signature, with a reported bid of €25 million.
In today’s news however, Ounahi is indeed set to depart Angers – but not for Leeds or Napoli.
Renowned Leeds reporter Phil Hay has weighed in on reports emerging form RMC Sport that Ligue 1 side Marseille have now agreed a deal with Angers to bring Ounahi in this January.
Considering the asking price Leeds and Napoli were being quoted, this is a surprising fee to say the least https://t.co/AGkLAM7YPa
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 27, 2023
While Leeds had allegedly held onto hope that Ounahi would make a switch to Elland Road, the story seemed to have lost momentum over the past couple of weeks. So, while it may not be massively surprising for many to see Azzedine Ounahi heading elsewhere, its definitely surprising to see him leaving for the reported fee of €10 million.
Considering Leeds were willing to splash €25 million on Ounahi, its difficult to fathom why Angers are willing to let him depart for just €10 million, with sizeably larger fees on the table.
While Ounahi may not be Yorkshire-bound, Leeds are still being closely linked with USA and Juventus star midfielder Weston McKennie, with heavy speculation that he may join up with his national side teammates Tyler Adams and Brendan Aaronson this transfer window.
Let us know your thoughts on Ounahi’s €10 million move to Marseille in the comment section below and on Twitter at @VitalLeeds.