Barcelona are now interested in signing Morocco World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi – Newcastle are also monitoring the African sensation.
What’s the story?
Well, the 22-year-old was flying under the radar before the World Cup began.
Ounahi found himself turning out for struggling Angers SCO before jetting off to Qatar, leaving the French side languishing bottom of Ligue 1.
However, the Morocco international will now return to that part of the globe as a world star.
Ounahi has shone in Qatar as Morocco became the first African side in history to reach the World Cup semi-final, where he will go up against the likes of Kylian Mbappe in the semi-final against France tonight.
The Angers SCO No.8 is being viewed as a potential signing by Barcelona as a result of his stunning performances – according to Mundo Deportivo.
It comes after 90min revealed that Newcastle are also interested in signing Ounahi.
At club level, the Moroccan sensation has made 14 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this season.
Throughout the World Cup, Ounahi has started every game for Morocco, helping his country defeat the likes of Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to the last four.
Barcelona & Newcastle not only sides keen to sign Ounahi
Unsurprisingly, Ounahi has won many admirers as a result of his displays in Qatar – not just Xavi and Eddie Howe.
90min add that West Ham, Southampton and Wolves are also keen to sign the Casablanca-born playmaker, so it will be interesting to see who ends up winning the race for his signature.
In our view, if Barcelona really are interested, then they will win the race.
Very few players can resist the lure of the Spanish giants, even if they aren’t currently as successful as they used to be.
Azzedine Ounahi profile
Full name: Azzedine Ounahi
Age: 22
Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Nationality: Morocco
Date of birth: 19 April 2000
Place of birth: Casablanca
Club: Angers SCO
Position: Central midfielder
Salary: £1,485-a-week
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
