French journalist Romain Molina has been quoted by Le 10 Sport as saying that Leeds United tabled a bid of £17.5m to sign midfielder Azzedine Ounahi in the January window – only for the Moroccan to join Marseille for half that fee.
Ounahi, 22, joined Marseille in January having starred for his country in Qatar. He was a crucial part of Morocco’s side that reached the semi-finals, eventually losing the third-placed play-off to Croatia. Interest was rife in Ounahi.
Angers tried to organise the best possible fee for their midfielder. That would come from Leeds. Molina reports that while Serie A leaders Napoli were interested – they did not actually make an offer to sign the 17-time Morocco star.
Instead, Ounahi had two offers on the table. A £17.5m move to Leeds, or an £8.75m move to Marseille – £7m up front and £1.75m in add ons. But his desire to ignore Leeds and join Marseille saw Angers accept a smaller transfer.
“He’s went to Marseille for €8m+€2m, it’s true. Knowing Leeds had offered €20m. Only Leeds had a firm offer on Ounahi. Naples had inquired a little, but the firm offer comes from Leeds. The player didn’t want to go,” Molina said.
Leeds tabled £17.5m bid to sign Ounahi but he joined Marseille for half
Leeds instead, brought in Weston McKennie in the middle of the park and while the American was a whole lot more expensive than Ounahi might have cost – he seems more suited to Leeds. He is certainly one that needs to be kept.
Ounahi has struggled since his move to Marseille. Just nine appearances, and only one start – in which Ounahi was hooked at half-time. He has missed his side’s last two league games with a toe injury. Perhaps, we dodged a bullet.
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