Ounahi to Al-Ittihad? Financial doubts cloud Saudi club’s move for Morocco star

Al-Ittihad’s hopes of signing Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi are being undermined by financial concerns at the Saudi Pro League club, despite the Girona player emerging as one of the most sought-after midfielders of the current transfer window.

Ounahi, who plays for Girona in Spain, has re-established himself as a major transfer target after impressing with his performances at the 2026 World Cup, where his technical quality, passing range and movement in midfield once again drew widespread attention.

Al-Ittihad have been repeatedly linked with the 24-year-old, but the situation inside the Jeddah club – known as “Al-Ameed” (The Dean) – has raised serious questions over whether they can realistically complete one of the most high-profile deals of the summer.

European competition for signature

Interest in Ounahi is far from limited to Saudi Arabia. Ajax Amsterdam are described as one of the most prominent European clubs pushing to sign the Morocco international, while several other sides are monitoring his status at Girona as the Catalan club weigh up their options.

Reports suggest Girona would consider selling if an offer in the region of €10m to €20m is tabled, with Ounahi potentially earning up to €5m per year in wages. Those figures would place any deal among the most expensive in Al-Ittihad’s recent history.

However, turning that interest into a concrete bid is proving complicated for the Saudi side.

Cash-flow issues hit Al-Ittihad plans

The club’s current financial reality has already had a visible impact on its transfer business during this window, with repeated suggestions that Al-Ittihad are struggling with liquidity as they try to reshape their squad.

That has been reflected in a number of recent negotiations. Several potential signings have stalled or collapsed in recent weeks, most notably a move for Abdullah Radif. Despite an initial agreement being reached, Al-Ittihad ultimately withdrew from the deal because the necessary funds were not available to complete it.

Al-Ittihad have also been linked with a range of players across different positions, yet have so far failed to finalise any marquee signing. That lack of progress has fuelled doubts over their ability to meet the asking price and salary package required to bring in a player of Ounahi’s calibre.

Union’s chances hinge on financial reset

Even so, Al-Ittihad cannot be ruled out entirely. Their interest in Ounahi remains, and the club could yet return strongly to the race if they manage to unlock new revenue streams or adjust their spending priorities in the coming period.

For now, though, European suitors appear to be in a more stable position to move decisively. Clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam are viewed as better placed financially to satisfy Girona’s demands and present a clear sporting project, leaving Al-Ittihad’s prospects dependent first on resolving their own monetary constraints.

Only if the Jeddah club can stabilise their finances will they be able to turn to the next challenge: convincing Ounahi to leave La Liga and European competition for a new chapter in the Saudi Pro League’s Roshn League.

As the window progresses, Ounahi remains one of the most eye-catching names on the market. Yet, given Al-Ittihad’s current circumstances, any move taking the Morocco international to Jeddah looks more like a complex, high-stakes gamble than a straightforward transfer waiting to happen.