The injury to Frenkie de Jong has opened a window of opportunity in Barcelona's midfield, and the club continues to explore all available alternatives. With the Dutchman sidelined for several months, the Barcelona board is studying financial reinforcements for a position that could become even more depleted if Casadó finally leaves the Spotify Camp Nou in this transfer window. In this context, Azzedine Ounahi re-emerges as a low-cost option.

Ounahi resurfaces after Girona's relegation

The 26-year-old Moroccan midfielder has returned to Barcelona's radar after several months out of the spotlight. According to mundodeportivo.com, Barcelona would be evaluating his signing as a response to problems created by injuries and possible departures in midfield.

The economic reality of the Barcelona side plays in favour of this move. Following Girona's relegation to the Second Division, Ounahi could leave the Girona outfit for approximately 10 million euros, an affordable amount even for the struggling Barcelona coffers. Especially if Casadó's sale for around 40 million is completed, which would allow them to finance the signing without major difficulties.

Betis competition complicates the plans

However, Barcelona are not alone in the race. Real Betis has positioned itself as a direct rival and, according to available reports, would already be more determined to make a significant outlay to secure the Moroccan's arrival. This competition is a factor that could accelerate movements in the market.

The player himself appears to be in a hurry to clarify his future. This coming week will be decisive in determining which way the scales tip. Ounahi needs certainty about his destination, and both Barcelona and Betis are aware that time is not on their side.

The ghost of Qatar World Cup

It is impossible to discuss Ounahi without going back to December 2022, when the midfielder catapulted to global fame following his excellent performance with the Moroccan national team at the Qatar World Cup. His participation in the round-of-16 match against Spain was revealing, and his display captured the attention of half of Europe.

Then Spanish manager Luis Enrique did not overlook his performance. After the match, the Asturian coach publicly confessed that he had been impressed by "Morocco's number 8", words that further boosted the player's reputation. At that time, Barcelona already showed interest in his services as a cost-effective midfielder, but that operation never materialised, remaining in a phase of simple monitoring and assessment. Ounahi finally signed for Olympique de Marseille in January 2023.

History repeating itself?

Now, almost three years later, circumstances are aligning again for Barcelona and Ounahi to meet in the market. The difference is that this time Barcelona have more pressing motivations: filling gaps created by injuries and possible departures, and doing so without breaking an already limited budget. For the Catalans, everything will depend on whether they can get ahead of Betis and close the deal in the coming days.