Trabzonspor has intensified its pursuit of Azzedine Ounahi by increasing its transfer offer, aiming to convince Olympique de Marseille to part ways with the Moroccan international, who has been sidelined under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Ounahi, 24, has been relegated to Marseille’s reserve team and informed he is no longer part of the club’s future plans.
This development has triggered interest across several clubs, especially in Turkey, with Trabzonspor emerging as one of the most persistent suitors.
Despite the club’s growing determination, Trabzonspor faces stiff competition. Turkish giants Fenerbahçe have also entered the race, seeking a technically gifted and creative midfielder to bolster their squad. However, Ounahi’s priorities lie elsewhere.
Sources close to the player reveal that his top choice is a move to Spain. Weeks earlier, Africasoccer reported exclusively that Ounahi is particularly drawn to Girona, whose recent rise in La Liga and ambitious European aspirations align with the Moroccan’s own professional goals.
Although offers have come in from both Turkey and Russia—including a €12 million bid from Spartak Moscow agreed with Marseille—Ounahi turned them down, prioritising a stable, competitive environment that suits his playing style and long-term development.
Following a successful loan spell at Panathinaikos last season, where he featured in 37 matches, netting five goals and providing seven assists, Ounahi remains focused on making the right career move.
However, a return to the Greek club has already been ruled out. Despite Panathinaikos submitting a €9 million bid, the offer fell short of Marseille’s valuation, with the French side holding out for a fee in excess of €10 million.
Ounahi’s hesitation is not solely based on club preferences but is also shaped by his international ambitions. With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations set to take place on home soil in Morocco and World Cup qualifiers looming, the midfielder is determined not to jeopardise his standing with the national team. For him, the next move must support both his club aspirations and his role in the national squad.
As of now, no Spanish club has matched Marseille’s asking price, but the transfer window remains open and negotiations are ongoing. In the meantime, Ounahi is continuing his personal training, fully focused on securing a move that aligns with his footballing philosophy.
Marseille, while eager to offload a player now out of favour, is also standing firm in its valuation. The club is hopeful that interest from Spain will materialise into a concrete offer, allowing for a resolution that satisfies all parties.
For Ounahi, the message remains consistent: his preference is La Liga or nothing. Despite tempting financial packages from elsewhere, he is prepared to wait for the right opportunity that matches his technical strengths and career trajectory.