West Ham United have reportedly joined the race to sign £40 million-rated Morocco World Cup breakout star Azzedine Ounahi in the upcoming January transfer window.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, West Ham United are interested in signing the £40 million-rated Azzedine Ounahi, with the Morocco World Cup star attracting major interest after his displays in Qatar.
Ounahi entered the World Cup as a relatively unknown quantity, playing for an Angers team that are now battling to stay afloat in Ligue 1. The 22-year-old has failed to contribute a goal or an assist despite starting 13 games, and his side has only eight points from 15 games in the French league.
However, the midfielder has emerged as one of the standout performers with his impressive performances for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, having played a crucial role in the Atlas Lions becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
While his midfield partner Sofyan Amrabat has garnered the most praise, former Spanish national team coach Luis Enrique name-checked Ounahi as “Morocco’s number eight” after a sterling performance against La Roja when the Atlas Lions dumped them out on the penalties in the last 16.
Needless to say, transfer inquiries are flying into his parent club’s headquarters, asking about the availability of their star man.
Speaking to RTL Sport, Angers chairman Chabane said, “We have had many offers for him, from big and medium-sized clubs. They have come from all over, from Italy, Spain, England, and France.”
“Our wish is to find an agreement in January, but also that he can remain until the end of the season.”
90Min recently claimed that Newcastle have been keeping a close eye on Ounahi’s performances. They are not alone in setting their sights on the Moroccan star, though, with Southampton, West Ham United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers all interested.
L’Equipe then reported that Leicester City are ready to stump up €45 million to secure the services of Ounahi. Not to mention, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Juventus have all been scouting the in-demand midfielder. Now, West Ham have joined his long list of suitors.
The Hammers are on the lookout for a midfield reinforcement to add to their depth, regardless of the susceptible futures of Declan Rice or Tomas Soucek at the London Stadium next summer, and Ounahi could be an excellent option.
Ounahi’s best attribute is his dribbling ability. Only Lionel Messi has recorded more successful dribbles in Ligue 1 this season than Ounahi’s 37.
The 22-year-old also stands out for his versatility, agility, and outstanding tactical awareness, as he can play in a variety of positions and has already demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level.
On the ball, Ounahi has been displaying his tremendous close control and technical flair in Qatar, providing a real attacking impetus from midfield. At just 22, Ounahi still has plenty of potential and will need a bit of sharpening in the final third to improve his production.
While the French side could be powerless to retain their prized asset, they are going to charge a premium price in the region of £40 million. The price tag might be a steep one, and it appears to have some World Cup tax included in it, but Ounahi has the flair and creativity that the Irons desperately need in the middle of the park.
