Frenkie de Jong's right knee injury has caused an absolute crisis in Barcelona as the sporting department scrambles for an emergency solution to a crippling issue. Sports, along with El Chiringuito report that club is targeting 26-year-old Moroccan international and Girona's talented midfielder, Azzedine Ounahi to become the latest solution at Camp Nou.
Barcelona have faced a profound midfielder problem recently, with Frenkie De Jong to miss around three to six months of football, leaving the Catalan club deficient in the middle of the park. Even more so Frenkie De Jong has been quite reluctant in signing a new contract, which has made few in the Barcelona heirarchy worry of his intentions. This has forced Sporting Director, Deco & President Joan Laporta to begin exploring the transfer market.
Financial oppurtunity
The relegation of Girona to second division at the end of the season activated a very affordable release clause of only €25 million ($28.8 million) that the Ounahi has at his disposal.
The Moroccan has displayed class within his nation over the last year including five goals and two assists over his 24 league appearances as the central midfielder and shined in the 2026 World Cup where he led Morocco through to the quarter-finals against elite opposition.
If Barcelona decide to pull the trigger and cough up the release clause, they will find another midfielder that is blessed with immense technically quality. While Ounahi possesses immense technical quality, vision, and a proven ability to break the lines, he is not a pure defensive midfielder like De Jong. He thrives in a more advanced role or out wide. If Barcelona triggers his clause, Flick will likely need to rely on internal options like Eric Garcia or emerging La Masia prospects like Marc Bernal to anchor the midfield, allowing Ounahi the freedom to dictate play higher up the pitch.
Deal that has to happen quickly
The club doesn't have much time if they intend to sign Ounahi. Ajax seems to be in a league of their own as they push to secure the signing of the Moroccan star under former Girona manager, Michel.
Ounahi is a proven, affordable talent, but the Blaugrana will have to move fast and pay the clause to bring him to Camp Nou. He is a good to have player for Barcelona, but at a time where Barcelona have got bigger fishes to fry, this a deal which is not of the utmost priority for anyone.
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