Azzedine Ounahi transfer: Ajax face English and Saudi competition for Girona midfielder

Azzedine Ounahi has become the focus of a four-way transfer battle, with Hull City, Ipswich Town and Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad joining Ajax in the race to sign the Morocco international before the summer transfer window closes.

According to an exclusive report by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the contest for Ounahi’s signature has changed significantly in recent hours. The two English clubs and Al-Ittihad have now made their interest clear, while Ajax have renewed their pursuit after stepping up their efforts in recent days.

The developments cast further doubt over Ounahi’s short spell with Girona. Spanish radio station SER reports that the midfielder’s future is now almost certainly away from the club’s Montilivi stadium, with all four interested sides working to convince both the player and Girona’s hierarchy.

Ajax are viewed as the most attractive option from a sporting perspective. Their key advantage is manager Michel, who knows Ounahi well from their previous experience together at Girona and is determined to bring him back into his squad.

High financial demands from Girona, combined with strong competition for the player, had stalled a potential move to Ajax in recent weeks. The Dutch club’s renewed push has now reopened the possibility of a transfer and intensified the battle for the Morocco midfielder.

There is also significant activity in the English Championship market. Hull City and Ipswich Town are both keen to recruit the Atlas Lions star, although their interest comes as part of a wider contest for his services.

Al-Ittihad offer a potentially lucrative financial alternative. However, Ounahi is understood to want assurances about the strength of the sporting project before agreeing to move to the Saudi Pro League club.

The four-club contest follows Ounahi’s recent return to Girona after his historic involvement with Morocco at the World Cup. He became the first Girona player to score in the World Cup finals, an achievement that significantly increased his value and profile in the transfer market.

Despite the growing uncertainty, Ounahi remains officially part of Girona’s squad. The club’s manager, Quique Sanchez, is waiting for the situation to be resolved.

A departure would provide Girona with a substantial financial boost and create considerable room within their wage structure. That would allow the club to continue strengthening the squad before the transfer window closes.

For now, Girona face a late decision over whether to retain a player whose international exploits have increased demand for his signature, or sanction a move while several clubs compete to secure his services. Ajax’s sporting appeal, the ambitions of Hull City and Ipswich Town, and Al-Ittihad’s financial strength have combined to make Ounahi one of the most closely watched names in the closing stages of the summer market.