Leeds United could be set to make a miraculous turnaround in their pursuit of a top target…
What’s the latest?
That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who offered an update on the Whites’ interest in Azzedine Ounahi.
Whilst it had seemed like Napoli might run away with the transfer, of which Angers are demanding £26m, Victor Orta seems to have pulled something of a turnaround as detailed in O’Rourke’s interview for GIVEMESPORT.
He claimed: “I think it’ll have to be a big deal. They’ve been in talks over a possible move but have been unable to agree any fee with Angers right now.
“Obviously, Angers are going to be looking for a big-money offer considering how well the player performed for Morocco at the World Cup, so that will raise his price tag and also other clubs interested in his services, with Napoli keen to do a deal.”
Ditch Forshaw
It seems like this has been a saga that has dragged on for months, but now it seems like it could come to a close with either the Yorkshire or the Italian outfit set to swoop on the Moroccan superstar.
Should Jesse Marsch secure his man, it could spell the end of Adam Forshaw’s time at Elland Road, who has seen his play time dwindle since returning to the Premier League.
The 31-year-old has featured 84 times for Leeds, yet has only managed five short appearances this campaign amidst his imminent contract expiry in the summer.
What will further encourage his potential departure is his displays across the 33 minutes per game he is averaging, as he has been handed a 6.48 rating for those performances too.
To replace him with the fresh talents of Ounahi would be a masterstroke, as his injection of energy and skill is sure to offer a big upgrade on the midfield stalwart.
Having already starred in Qatar, where he proved his ability to shine on the biggest stage, he could now join Marsch’s revolution in an attempt to secure a much safer finish than last season, with an eye to continually improving with each year.
Earning a 6.97 average rating at the World Cup, he would outline his tough nature but show glimpses of the classy playmaker he might transition into. Even Jose Mourinho lauded him as “incredible” for his country.
As such, he recorded 1.3 tackles and one interception alongside 0.9 key passes per 90, statistics which he upholds in the domestic game as outlined by the fact he records the same number of tackles and interceptions, but improves his key passes to 1.1 per game (via Sofascore).
This is married with an ability with the ball at his feet unmatched across Europe, with the maestro ranking in the top 1% for dribbles completed when compared with other midfielders across the continent.
Who do you think will sign Ounahi?
Napoli
Leeds
To replace Forshaw with Ounahi is a no-brainer, with the 22-year-old already offering far more than the ageing stopper could.
However, Orta will have to continue fighting hard to secure his signature.
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