Aston Villa Renew Pursuit of Girona's Azzedine Ounahi as Atletico Madrid and Villarreal Circle

The consistent rise of the Catalan side Girona this season has forced Europe’s elite clubs to turn their scouting radars toward the Estadi Montilivi. 

At the epicentre of this attention is the Moroccan midfield sensation, Azzedine Ounahi. 

After enchanting the world with his performances at the 2022 World Cup, Ounahi has achieved his true career explosion on Spanish soil. 

As the Summer 2026 transfer window approaches, his name is increasingly linked with Premier League and La Liga powerhouses.

Season Summary: A Rebirth in Girona

Joining Girona in the summer of 2025 in a surprise move, the 26-year-old technical midfielder quickly assumed the role of the team’s "brain." 

Becoming one of the most effective players in La Liga through his vision, close-quarters ball control, and line-breaking passes, Ounahi has maintained a pass accuracy of over 85% this season. 

He has firmly established himself as the primary architect of Girona’s offensive transitions.

Girona Will Not Fold Easily

The Girona hierarchy has placed Ounahi in the "untouchable" category. 

The club views him not just as a technical asset, but as a cornerstone of their long-term project. However, as with any ambitious Catalan project, there is an understanding that everything can change if the "right figure" arrives. 

His long-term contract, running until June 30, 2030, remains Girona's strongest leverage in any negotiation. 

Sources close to the club whisper that while Ounahi is focused on the team, the allure of "Champions League level projects" could turn his head.

Valuation: The €20M-€25M Bracket

Having multiplied his market value through his performances at Girona, the unofficial price tag for Ounahi is set between €20 million and €25 million. 

The player signed from Marseille in 2025 for approximately €6 million, this figure represents a massive commercial success for Girona. The financial capacity of Premier League clubs to meet this valuation strengthens the likelihood of the transfer shifting toward England.

Transfer Links: Island Giants vs. Spanish Ambush

Scouting reports from across Europe have piled up for Ounahi. 

It is known that Unai Emery highly admires Ounahi's technical capacity and tactical intelligence. Aston Villa has made him a priority to add a more "fluid" profile alongside the likes of Tielemans and McGinn.

Known for their "under the radar" recruitment, Brighton’s data-driven analysis has given Ounahi top marks, viewing him as the ideal candidate to solve creativity issues in the final third.

Atletico Madrid & Villarreal: A serious domestic race is also underway. Diego Simeone’s search for a player who combines "energy and technique" has led him to Ounahi. Meanwhile, Villarreal was the first club to initiate contact with an informal €15 million inquiry.

While no official written bid has been submitted yet, contacts at the managerial level are reported to be evolving into a "serious negotiation phase."