Leeds United are already moving to sign Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi following his impressive 2022 World Cup campaign for Morocco.
The Lowdown: Ounahi shines in Qatar
The North African side were the surprise package in Qatar, reaching the semi-finals and playing some eye-catching football along the way.
Many players stood out for Morocco and Ounahi was undoubtedly one of them, producing a string of energetic and influential performances in the middle of the park and earning a place of Sky Sports’ team of the tournament.
He started six of his country’s matches in total, only failing to be in the starting lineup for the third-place playoff defeat to Croatia, averaging 1.3 tackles and 1.4 dribbles per game.
The Latest: Leeds make their move
According to ASRomaLive.it [via Sport Witness], Leeds are ‘moving rather eagerly’ to sign Ounahi.
Roma believe they will be able to pip the Whites to the signing of another target – Sasa Lukic from Torino – due to the Elland Road hierarchy’s attention turning to the Moroccan.
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The Verdict: Could be a great addition
Granted, a World Cup isn’t always the perfect way to gauge a player, considering its short and sharp nature, but Ounahi was superb and looks to have the tools to be a great signing for Leeds.
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At just 22, the central midfielder is at a great age to come in and provide a long-term option, especially with Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw both ageing and injury-stricken.
Ounahi can provide both relentless pressing off the ball and quality on it – he enjoyed an 83.3% pass completion rate in Qatar – having been hailed as ‘absolutely incredible’ by Jose Mourinho during the tournament.