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Manchester City continues to be linked with a host of midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window. Dominant and well-established midfielders such as Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez, and Sandro Tonali have previously been reported as City transfer targets. While City has had success signing established players in the transfer market, they have also had success finding rough diamonds, so to speak. Abdukodir Khusanov is one such example of this. Manchester City has now been linked with a summer move for Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi. The Moroccan midfielder has impressed for Girona this season, and reportedly his displays have impressed City scouts.
Azzedine Ounahi has impressed Manchester City this season with his displays for Girona.
A report from El Chiringuito TV has claimed that the performances of Azzedine Ounahi for Girona have impressed Manchester City this season. Furthermore, El Chiringuito TV reports that Bernardo Silva and possibly other midfielders could depart City this summer. With that in mind, Azzedine Ounahi may be a target for City. Ounahi’s contract contains a €20 million release clause, which means the 26-year-old may represent great value in the transfer market considering the price of other midfielders.
Could Azzedine Ounahi be a viable target for City this summer?
Azzedine Ounahi has impressed for Girona this season. He has made 18 appearances in La Liga this season, scoring five goals and adding three assists. Ounahi has missed a chunk of matches this season due to a calf injury. Injuries have plagued Ounahi since he burst onto the scene with Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.
As a player, Azzedine Ounahi can play as a number eight in midfield, as a ten, or he can operate on the left-hand side. His positional versatility is a valuable asset in his play. The Moroccan midfielder ticks that box that Manchester City typically look for in a potential new signing.
As a midfielder, Azzedine Ounahi is technically gifted. He links play especially well, particularly in the final third. Ounahi isn’t fazed by an opponent’s press, and he is calm whenever he is in possession. The Moroccan midfielder carries the ball extremely well, and he is a threat in the final third, whether that is with his finishing ability or his ability to play a key pass. Technically, Ounahi has what is required to be a Manchester City player. Given how Girona play under Michel, Azzedine Ounahi is well-suited to City’s style of play.
Out of possession, Azzedine Ounahi is an intelligent player. His defensive positioning is very good, which helps Girona set up defensively. Ounahi isn’t exceptional in a duel; however, his physical build does make him a nightmare to contend with. Ounahi is a gangly midfielder, which ideally suits how he plays and what Girona require.
Final thoughts.
Not every signing that Manchester City makes this summer will be a big-money signing. That isn’t a sustainable model for City to utilize. If there is a bargain to be found, City will find it. Girona’s Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi could be one for City to pursue this summer. He has all of the necessary technical skills to slot into Pep Guardiola’s squad, so perhaps City could jump at the chance to sign Ounahi for €20 million if several midfielders leave the club this summer.
