Brighton & Hove Albion are back in the mix to sign Marseille’s Azzedine Ounahi.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who state Brighton looked at the Morocco international in January 2023, a month after he starred at the last World Cup. He was also of interest to Leeds United at that time, and was later the subject of a failed move to Brentford.
It isn’t clear why Brighton didn’t go ahead with the operation themselves, but they are now looking at him for this summer.
The midfielder spent this season on loan at Panathinaikos, and he impressed for them, managing five goals and seven assists from 37 games. The report states the Greek club are keen on retaining him but can’t afford to pay the €11.5m purchase clause.
Ounahi has to return to the Ligue 1 club, and Brighton can subsequently move for him. The Seagulls have held direct talks with him over a potential transfer.
Foot Mercato state he has a ‘verbal agreement’ with Fabian Hürzeler’s side over personal terms and is excited about making a switch to the Premier League.
The Moroccan’s contract with Roberto De Zerbi’s side is until 2027 and Brighton have to find an agreement with them to conclude the operation. The fee could be around €11.5m, which is what they requested from Panathinaikos.
If that’s the case or if the fee is around that region, it should be affordable for the English club.