Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi is in the interest of Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo, who are considering making an attempt in January. President Saïd Chabane of Angers cannot rule out a departure from Ounahi.
In an interview with RMC Sport, Chabane is asked about Ounahi and Moroccan attacker Sofiane Boufal, who also plays for Angers. It is special that two Angers players excel at the World Cup, because the club is last in Ligue 1 with only eight points from fifteen matches. “We didn’t expect this,” Chabane admits. “A dream came true for them. This is fantastic for them, for Morocco and for all of Africa. It is also something for us to be proud of.”
Chabane says Angers is preparing ‘for anything’. “We have had a meeting with the trainer and the sporting director to discuss all scenarios. You know you can’t stop a player who wants to leave. Whatever happens, it won’t be easy for the players to return,” Chabane suspects. “After such an event you are no longer the same. They will have to clear their heads again, become physically fit and get used to the environment. Everything has changed for them now.”
According to the chairman, Ounahi and Boufal can leave ‘in January or in June’. The 22-year-old Ounahi, who stands out in the Moroccan team with his dribbles forward, his sharp passes and his ball conquests, has a contract until mid-2026. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona sees the midfielder as an interesting and potentially cheap option; Ounahi would then compete with Frenkie de Jong in Camp Nou. Boufal’s contract expires in mid-2024.
In related news, both Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd seem to be available for Wednesday, Moroccan media write Monday morning. The two defenders were not available against Portugal. Captain Romain Saïss was out in the second half with thigh complaints and is currently the only player who is explicitly taken care of by the medical staff. He is reportedly ‘determined’ to play against France.
Hakim Ziyech was out after a tackle from Rúben Dias, but seems fit for Wednesday’s game. Achraf Hakimi doesn’t seem to have any serious concerns either. The right back missed the last training session before the game against Portugal. But then played ninety minutes and also seems to be able to bite the pain against France.
