Al-Ittihad weigh Azzedine Ounahi move as midfield search continues

Azzedine Ounahi has emerged as a contender to join Al-Ittihad during the current transfer window, with the Saudi club considering several options as they look to strengthen their midfield.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, the Girona midfielder is now on the list of players being assessed by Al-Ittihad’s management. He is competing with Hicham Boudaoui of OGC Nice and Richard Rios, who plays for Benfica, for the club’s attention.

Al-Ittihad are seeking to complete the signing of a new central midfielder after holding talks with a number of players in recent weeks. Ounahi is one of the latest names to enter the discussion, as the club continues to evaluate which candidate should be given priority.

Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic, formerly of Al-Nassr, is also understood to be among the possible choices. However, Al-Riyadiyah reports that the former Al-Nassr midfielder is currently considered a less likely option than the other names on the shortlist.

The club had previously made progress in negotiations for Japan international Ritsu Doan. The Eintracht Frankfurt winger was being considered as part of Al-Ittihad’s efforts to add to their squad, but those talks encountered difficulties from the player’s side.

That development led the Saudi side to continue exploring alternatives. Their search has already included Johan Bakayoko of RB Leipzig and Chile international Dario Osorio, who plays for Danish club FC Midtjylland.

Riyad Mahrez was also previously listed among Al-Ittihad’s potential options. The Algeria international left Al-Ahli after the conclusion of last season.

The number of names considered by Al-Ittihad underlines the uncertainty surrounding their next midfield signing. Ounahi, Boudaoui and Rios now appear to be among the leading contenders, while the club’s management weighs up which player best fits their plans for the next stage.

Ounahi’s inclusion gives Al-Ittihad another alternative as they attempt to resolve the position. Boudaoui provides a further option from Ligue 1, while Rios represents a candidate currently playing in Portugal with Benfica. Brozovic remains in the wider group of possibilities, although his chances are reportedly lower.

No final decision has yet been made on which player will receive priority. Al-Ittihad are expected to determine their preferred target after reviewing the available options and the progress of the negotiations.

The Saudi club’s midfield recruitment remains active, with the competition between Ounahi, Boudaoui and Rios now forming the main focus of the search. The eventual choice will determine which player Al-Ittihad pursue to strengthen their squad during the current transfer window.