Morocco’s World Cup Star Ounahi Faces Pressure Over Potential Qatar Move

Azzedine Ounahi on his way to Qatar? Al-Sadd and Al-Ettifaq, a Saudi club led by Steven Gerrard, are showing interest in the revelation of the 2022 World Cup. Moreover, the former captain of the Atlas Lions Medhi Benatia, sports advisor of OM, would have threatened to sideline him from the group, to break his career if he does not sign in Qatar. "Benatia forced Ounahi’s hand, playing a toxic role in this file, going so far as to threaten to sideline him and prevent him from playing if he refused to play in Qatar," insists the player’s entourage to the site Le360.

But a transfer to the Gulf is not opportune in the eyes of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). This would be a waste for Ounahi who is only 24 years old. According to some observers, the semi-finalist of the 2022 World Cup deserves better. Morocco is looking into the Ounahi case, L’Équipe believes.

Arrived at Olympique de Marseille (OM) during the winter transfer window for 8 million euros thanks to his brilliant participation in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, punctuated by a semi-final, Azzedine Ounahi has not managed to shine in the Phocaean city. And the Moroccan international must leave the Vélodrome this summer. OM expects to receive an offer of 12 million euros to sell its midfielder to a European heavyweight, the French newspaper reports.