Ajax consider Azzedine Ounahi move as Sofyan Amrabat agreement draws closer

Ajax could sign a second Morocco international this summer, with midfielder Azzedine Ounahi reportedly emerging as a target while the club moves towards an agreement for Sofyan Amrabat.

The Dutch club are working to strengthen their midfield before the Netherlands transfer window closes on 2 September. Amrabat, who has won 78 caps for Morocco, is understood to be close to joining Ajax after leaving Fenerbahce by mutual consent.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Ajax have reached a verbal agreement to sign the 30-year-old defensive midfielder as a free agent. Amrabat is reported to be the priority target of technical director Jordi Cruyff.

The possible arrival of Amrabat would not necessarily mark the end of Ajax’s activity in the Moroccan market. The club’s recruitment department has also identified Ounahi as a potential addition.

Ounahi, 26, remains under contract with Girona until 2030. However, Foot Mercato reports that the midfielder has been given permission by the Spanish club to negotiate with Ajax and other interested clubs in the Netherlands.

The Morocco international is coming off a productive 2025-26 campaign, during which he scored five goals and provided three assists in 24 appearances, including 20 starts. He also impressed at the 2026 World Cup, scoring twice in Morocco’s last-16 victory.

Ounahi has made 55 appearances for Morocco and scored 11 goals for the Atlas Lions. His reputation remains strong despite Girona’s relegation to Spain’s second division.

Should Ajax complete a deal for Ounahi, it would allow the club to reunite the two midfielders under the same colours this summer. The prospect has generated considerable excitement among Ajax supporters, who have already begun imagining how the pair could complement one another in midfield.

Amrabat could operate as the deepest midfielder in a number six role, while Ounahi could be deployed further forward as either an eight or a 10.

Ajax are therefore attempting to reshape their midfield before the transfer deadline, with Amrabat potentially providing experience and defensive security and Ounahi offering additional creativity and attacking threat. The club’s immediate priority remains completing the move for Amrabat, but negotiations over Ounahi could give the squad a distinctly Moroccan midfield partnership for the new season.

The possible double acquisition would represent an ambitious closing phase to Ajax’s summer recruitment, with both players already established at international level and familiar with the demands of top-level football.