Barcelona face stiff competition in pursuit of €25 million-rated midfield target – report | OneFootball

Azzedine Ounahi is emerging as one of the most sought-after midfielders of the summer transfer window.

Following Girona’s relegation, the Moroccan international is expected to leave the club, with Barcelona among the teams keeping a close eye on his situation.

However, the Catalan side are far from alone in the race, as per reports relayed by SPORT.

Barcelona monitoring Ounahi after Frenkie de Jong injury

With Frenkie de Jong expected to miss between three and four months through the knee injury he sustained during the World Cup, Barcelona have begun exploring options to strengthen their midfield.

As such, Ounahi has emerged as a potential target for the La Liga champions after an impressive World Cup and a strong season with Girona.

His ability to play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even drift wide has made him an attractive option for Hansi Flick’s squad.

Barcelona keeping an eye on Ounahi. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Real Betis Preparing a Move

However, as per the report, fellow La Liga club Real Betis are preparing a serious attempt to sign the Moroccan.

The Seville-based club believe Ounahi would add creativity to their midfield and provide tactical flexibility.

A third Spanish club has also been linked with Ounahi, although the move appears far less realistic.

Indeed, newly-promoted La Liga club Deportivo La Coruna are interested in the midfielder as they continue building Antonio Hidalgo’s squad.

After strengthening at left-back with Angelino, Deportivo’s main priority remains signing a central defender, but the club have not ruled out adding a new midfielder.

In demand (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

While Ounahi would fit that profile perfectly, the financial demands of the deal make such a move extremely difficult.

Girona set €25 million price tag

Girona are seeking around €25 million for Ounahi following his outstanding performances at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored two goals in six appearances.

His performances have significantly increased his market value, while any interested club would also need to offer a substantial salary package.

Those financial demands place the transfer beyond Deportivo’s reach and leave clubs with European ambitions as the most likely destinations.

Before the World Cup, both Celta Vigo and Ajax under Míchel had shown interest in Ounahi. However, his performances on the international stage increased both his profile and valuation, making negotiations more complicated.

For now, Barcelona continue to monitor the situation, Real Betis are prepared to step up their pursuit, and Deportivo can only hope for an unlikely opportunity.