Ounahi future: Girona midfielder linked with Al Ittihad move amid Saudi club’s financial doubts

Azeddine Ounahi’s resurgence on the international stage has put him at the centre of the summer transfer window, with Al Ittihad Jeddah among the clubs keen to sign the Girona midfielder – but doubts over the Saudi side’s finances are casting uncertainty over any potential deal.

The Morocco international, who has re-established himself as one of the most sought-after central midfielders after impressive performances at the 2026 World Cup, is attracting strong interest from several clubs, including the Saudi Pro League giants.

However, the current situation inside Al Ittihad – known as “Al-Ameed” – has raised serious questions about whether the club can realistically complete what would be one of the standout transfers of their summer.

Strong interest and rising price

Ounahi, currently with Girona in Spain, has enhanced his reputation by demonstrating an ability to influence games through his vision, passing accuracy and intelligent movement in midfield.

Al Ittihad are not alone in their pursuit. Ajax Amsterdam are understood to be one of the leading European clubs actively trying to secure his signature, while other teams are also monitoring his position at the La Liga side.

Reports suggest any transfer could cost between €10m and €20m, with an annual salary that may reach up to €5m. Those figures would place Ounahi among Al Ittihad’s most expensive signings in the present market.

Financial strain at Al Ittihad

Yet the reality for Al Ittihad appears more complicated than the transfer links suggest. The club has been widely reported to be struggling with limited cash flow during this window, a situation that has already had a tangible impact on their business.

The financial issue has forced the hierarchy to step back from several proposed deals in recent weeks. The most notable of these was the move for Abdullah Radif, which collapsed despite an initial agreement being in place, after the club concluded it did not have the necessary liquidity to finalise the transfer.

Al Ittihad have also been linked with a number of players across different positions this summer, but have so far been unable to complete any major signings. That record fuels further scepticism over whether they can meet both the transfer fee and wage demands required to land a player of Ounahi’s stature.

European clubs in stronger position

Despite these concerns, Al Ittihad cannot be entirely ruled out of the race. Their chances would likely depend on the board finding fresh sources of revenue or reshaping their transfer priorities in the coming period to free up funds for a marquee addition.

Even so, European clubs appear to be in a more stable position to close a deal at this stage. This leaves Al Ittihad’s prospects tied not only to resolving their financial difficulties but also to then convincing Ounahi to swap La Liga for the Saudi Pro League and embark on a new chapter in the Roshn Saudi League.

For now, Ounahi remains one of the most intriguing names of the current window, his performances ensuring he stays firmly in the shop window. But a switch to Al Ittihad, given the club’s current constraints, looks far more like a major challenge to be navigated than a straightforward transfer waiting to be completed.