Leeds United are now eyeing a summer move for the relegated midfielder, who has been recommended by none other than Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique.
Daniel Farke confirms that Leeds have started making plans for next season
Although Leeds’ eight-game unbeaten run ended on Sunday afternoon, with a 3-0 defeat against West Ham United at the London Stadium, they had been protected for a long time, and the first season back in the Premier League could be considered a remarkable success.
Indeed, Daniel Farke has achieved his goal of avoiding relegation, and the manager has revealed that he has started work ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, saying: “We have started talking about the future and this will continue in the coming weeks. It is important to take time to call again.
“Since survival is guaranteed, we have already started working.”
Farke will want to make sure his side are out of West Ham’s place next season, with Nuno’s side relegated to the Championship on Sunday, despite a big win, and midfield is one area the 49ers are keen to strengthen.
With Southampton denied a place in the play-off final against Hull City due to the Spygate scandal, Shea Charles has emerged as a target for the Whites, as well as the La Liga midfielder.
Leeds set to sign ‘fantastic’ midfielder
According to MOT Leeds News, Leeds have now expressed an interest in signing Azzedine Ounahi, following Girona’s relegation from La Liga, and the 26-year-old could be replaced by Ao Tanaka.
Manchester United are keen to sign the Japanese international, and if the Red Devils do a deal, Farke will need to sign a new midfielder, with Ounahi, who cost £22m, now emerging as an option.
The Moroccan international is “likely” to leave the Spanish club this summer, and would be an exciting addition to Farke’s squad, having received high praise from PSG boss Enrique for his performances for the African nation at the 2022 World Cup.
The former Spanish manager said: “I’m pleasantly surprised by the number 8 (Ounahi). My God. Where did this kid come from? He’s playing incredibly well. Achraf and Ziyech are the obvious choices, we know En-Nesyri well, and Amrabat too.
“But this boy didn’t stop running. We talked to the coaching staff. He was amazing.”
Despite Girona’s La Liga defeat, the central midfielder has impressed on a personal level, with FotMob’s average match rating of 7.28 putting him first in the team, and well ahead of Tanaka in other key attacking metrics.
|
Average out of 90 (league only) |
Azzedine Ounahi |
Well Tanaka |
|
Goals |
5 |
2 |
|
It helps |
3 |
0 |
|
90 shots |
2.6 |
1.2 |
|
Chances are created in 90 |
1.8 |
1.2 |
|
90 successful dribbles |
3.5 |
0.3 |
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The Whites want to sign a new midfielder.
