‘I can see why’: Pundit not surprised Wolves want ‘sensational’ £40m star

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Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy is not surprised by reports linking Morocco’s World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi with a move to Wolves, speaking during the BBC’s coverage of Wednesday’s semi-final defeat to France (14 December, 8pm). 

Beware the World Cup signing.

We’ve seen it all before. A player shines on the biggest of stages, secures himself a big-money move, and promptly flops in his new surroundings. A flash in the World Cup pan.  

With the likes of Barcelona, Napoli, Leicester City, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly taking a very keen interest in 22-year-old Ounahi, the struggles of El Hadji Diouf, Kleberson, Milan Jovanovic and co on English soil certainly feels like a tale of the cautionary variety (90Min). 

Nonetheless, Ounahi is certainly worthy of discussion. 

Wolves, Leicester and even Barcelona like Morocco’s World Cup ace Azzedine Ounahi

Currently at Ligue 1 outfit Angers, this most stylish and skilful attacking midfielder has been a revelation in Qatar; his sparkling footwork, dextrous dribbling and defence-splitting passes encouraging Leicester to weigh up a potential £40 million bid (L’Equipe). 

Ounahi, a potential replacement for Youri Tielemans at the King Power Stadium, stood out once again on Wednesday too. Even as Morocco’s World Cup journey came to an end against France.  

“So confident, great feet,” Murphy said after the youngster forced Hugo Lloris into an early save with a fierce long-range drive. “Ounahi’s performance again; sensational player. 22 years of age.

“I’m sure there’s a lot of admirers watching his performances in the last two or three games.”

When informed about reports linking Ounahi to Wolves, former Liverpool ace Murphy admits he ‘can see why’ the men from Molineux have taken an interest.

“I can see why! Confident, skilful, great energy, a desire to get on the ball…”

Morocco team-mate Sofyan Amrabat could also be rewarded by a big-money switch to English football. The more defensively-minded Amrabat has held talks with Liverpool; Jurgen Klopp and sporting director Julian Ward big fans of the Fiorentina enforcer (Florian Plettenberg).