World Cup star and Barcelona target Ounahi provides update on transfer future

Cameron Smith

• 24 Dec 2022 07:46 CST
• 3 min read

Morocco World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi has provided a transfer update over his future amid rumours of a January move away from Angers.

The 22-year-old was one of Morocco's standout players in Qatar, helping his nation become the first African country to ever reach a World Cup semi-final.

They ended up finishing fourth, leaving many of the squad with sky-rocketed stocks after impressive performances.

READ: Ounahi in, Memphis out: What Barcelona need in January transfer window

Ounahi is one such player, and he's now expected to leave Angers in January to move to a bigger club.

His current side are rock bottom of Ligue 1 and face an uphill battle to avoid relegation in the French top flight.

However, they may not be able to call on Ounahi to help them as the midfielder has been linked with Napoli, Marseille, Inter Milan, Leicester City, Leeds United and FC Barcelona over the past few weeks.

READ: Ziyech and Ounahi urged to seek January transfer by Morocco manager

What has Ounahi said?

In an interview published on Angers' official club website, Ounahi said: "It’s Angers who allowed me to play in a World Cup and show my qualities to the world. If I wasn’t a starter at Angers or playing in Ligue 1, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to play in a World Cup aged 22. Angers is an important step in my career.

"Now, we all know that there are clubs who are interested. It’s a choice that will need to be made, one that will be important for my career, and most of all I need to make the right choice. We don’t know how things will play out yet.

"Will I leave in January? Will I sign somewhere, stay to help the club then leave this summer? I don’t know yet. I’ll wait for the next few days, weeks to make the right choice. I’m in contact every day with the [club] president Saïd [Chabane]. We’re going to make the right choice for my career and for the club.”

Ounahi's current contract at Angers is set to expire in 2026 after signing an extension earlier this year.