Panathinaikos win race for Azzedine Ounahi as return is confirmed

Panathinaikos have officially announced the return of Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, bringing an end to speculation over his future after a successful season with Girona and interest from Ajax.

Ounahi is set to leave the Spanish club and return to Greece, where he will rejoin Panathinaikos just one year after departing the Athens side. The move represents a return to familiar surroundings for the midfielder, who was named the club’s player of the season for 2024-25.

Panathinaikos confirmed the deal with a video posted on their social media accounts. The announcement was accompanied by the message: “The magic is back.”

The Greek club’s statement came after reports on Tuesday that a final verbal agreement had been reached with Girona over a loan deal containing an obligation to buy. The total value of the agreement is €25m, with the arrangement paving the way for Ounahi to sign a four-year contract.

Ounahi had attracted interest from several clubs during the latest summer transfer window. Ajax were among those attempting to sign him, but Panathinaikos ultimately secured his return to the club.

The Athens-based side were also determined to overcome the competition from the Netherlands and obtain the approval of the Morocco international. To help complete the move, Panathinaikos offered Ounahi an exceptionally attractive financial package, making him the highest-paid player in the entire squad on an annual salary of €2.7m.

The midfielder’s return is expected to be welcomed by Panathinaikos supporters, who recognised his contribution by selecting him as the club’s best player during the 2024-25 season.

Ounahi’s latest move follows his impressive campaign with Girona. After that spell in Spain, the 25-year-old will now resume his career in an environment he knows well, with Panathinaikos confirming that the “magic” of his first spell is set to return.

The club’s social media post also carried the French message: “The magic is back”, alongside Moroccan and Panathinaikos imagery, underlining the significance of the player’s return.

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