If a report from talkSport is believed to be true, Leeds United are keeping close tabs on Morocco and Angers midfield ace Azzedine Ounahi. But they are not alone in the hunt as Leicester City and West Ham United have also joined the trail over a potential January transfer.
Morocco had a fairy tale run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They progressed to the semifinals defeating the heavyweights like Belgium, Spain and Portugal without conceding a single goal. Their midfield earned a lot of accolades for being energetic and aggressive.
The 22-year-old Atlas Lions star progressed through the academy ranks of Raja Casablanca and Mohammed VI Academy. He then plied his trade at France and spent a few years in the lower leagues with Strasbourg reserves and Avranches. Les Scoïstes kept close tabs on his performances in Championnat National and they eventually roped him in last year to bolster themselves in the middle of the pitch.
So far he has made 46 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit since securing a summer move last year. Although the French side are rock bottom in the league standings, his all-round ability earned him a key status in Morocco’s midfield.
Meanwhile, Angers chairman Said Chabane will do his best to keep hold of him for the remainder of the campaign.
“We have had many offers for him, from big and medium-sized clubs. They have come from all over, from Italy, Spain, England, and France. Our wish is to find an agreement in January, but also that he can remain until the end of the season.”
Chabane told RTL Sport (as quoted by talkSport). But he is prepared for all possible situations knowing that the clubs are circling like vultures to snap him up in the coming days.
Why Leeds United Should Sign The Midfielder
Leeds United are a rejuvenated force under Jesse Marsch overcoming a dreadful start. They narrowly escaped a relegation scare towards the closure of the previous term and the USA boss must avoid similar agony by strengthening the squad.
Summer signings Tyler Adams and Marc Roca have replaced Kalvin Phillips deep down the midfield, but the Whites should opt for more additions with veteran Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich already in their thirties. They are now featuring sporadically in the centre of the pitch, whereas the versatile Stuart Dallas is still recovering from a long-term injury. Leeds, therefore, must step up the chase for the Moroccan and tie him down ahead of the other suitors.
