Azzedine Ounahi offered Panathinaikos’ biggest contract in push to complete return

Panathinaikos are trying to secure the return of Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi by making him the highest-paid player in the squad, as negotiations with Girona over a potential €25m transfer move towards an agreement.

The proposed deal would see Ounahi join the Greek club on loan with an obligation to buy, according to French website Foot Mercato. The arrangement would also pave the way for a four-year contract, although the transfer has not yet been completed.

Talks remain complicated by uncertainty over Girona’s position. The Spanish club, who currently compete in the Spanish second division, own Ounahi’s contract and have yet to finalise the move.

Ounahi spent the 2024-25 season on loan in Athens, where his performances impressed Panathinaikos. That spell has now led to renewed interest from the club, with the Morocco international preparing for what could be a permanent return.

Ajax Amsterdam had made a strong attempt to sign the midfielder from Girona in the closing days of the summer transfer window. However, Ounahi has ultimately chosen to remain with Panathinaikos, the club where he previously played.

Foot Mercato reported: “According to our information, a final verbal agreement has been reached between the Spanish club and the Greek side for Ounahi to join on loan with an obligation to buy for €25m, paving the way for a four-year contract.”

Panathinaikos have also put forward a substantial financial package in an effort to overcome competition from the Dutch club and secure the player’s approval. The offer would give Ounahi an annual salary of €2.7m, the highest wage in the entire Panathinaikos squad.

The proposed contract represents a significant effort by the Athens-based club to convince Ounahi to continue his career in Greece after his successful loan spell. It also underlines the importance Panathinaikos attach to completing negotiations with Girona before the transfer window closes.

The French report added: “The Panathinaikos management are now accelerating the process of completing the deal. The Greek club want to speed up the operation as much as possible over the coming hours in order to register the player born in Casablanca in their European squad in time.”

The exact timing of the agreement remains dependent on the final steps between the two clubs. Until those procedures are completed, Ounahi’s move back to Panathinaikos remains close but not yet officially confirmed.