Leeds United face stiff competition from Napoli for the signature of exciting Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi from Angers, according to Fabrizio Romano. Romano tweeted: “The deal is not dead, but other clubs are also moving. Next week is expected to be key – Napoli have offered £13 million to Angers one week ago”. The Partenopei’s offer would mean that Ounahi would join the Italian outfit in the summer of 2023, as reported by Romano – an attractive proposition for Angers, who currently sit bottom of Ligue 1 and need their star man to avoid relegation.
The Leeds United Azzedine Ounahi Saga Continues
Azzedine Ounahi’s Impressive World Cup
The Atlas Lions made history in Qatar after they became the first African nation to reach the semi-final of a World Cup and Ounahi was an indispensable part of the team. Phil Hay of The Athletic said that Ounahi’s price tag has gone up to “around £20 million” as a result of this. In spite of outlining how a stretched budget could be the stumbling block for this deal, Hay retains optimism. “Leeds would need to find room in their budget to make it happen but do not rule it out,” he said.
Leeds’ expenditure on their two previous signings means that the transfer hangs in the balance but a new midfielder remains on their radar after Mateusz Klich left for D.C. United.
Read More: Initial Rumours of Leeds United Moving on Ounahi
What Azzedine Ounahi could Bring to Leeds United
A young and dynamic box-to-box midfielder, who possesses the ability to dribble effortlessly, dribbling ability, pinpoint long-range passing and an aggressive tackle.
He would improve upon Klich in terms of versatility, energy and value. The youngster would also provide much-needed depth and competition for Marc Roca and Tyler Adams, who have struggled to dictate and control games so far this season.
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Leeds United’s Stuttering Form
Jesse Marsch labelled Leeds’ recent defeat against Aston Villa as the side’s “best performance” since he took charge eleven months ago. However, this positivity will fall on deaf ears as the Yorkshiremen have only won two of their last 14 games in all competitions and perilously sit above the drop zone in the Premier League.
The possibility of landing Ounahi would mean a massive injection of quality and athleticism into a struggling side and could be the decisive factor in their bid to avoid relegation.
