Fierce fight between Villarreal and Atlético for a star player from the 2026 World Cup

Azzedine Ounahi has become one of the great opportunities in the market following Girona's relegation. The Moroccan midfielder has a valid contract, but his continuity at Montilivi seems increasingly complicated. The Catalan club knows that retaining talent will be a difficult task in the Second Division. Therefore, the sports management already assumes that there will be calls for several important players in the coming weeks.

Azzedine Ounahi, top target for Villarreal

Currently, Villarreal is the team that has shown the most interest in Azzedine Ounahi. At La Cerámica, they are looking to reinforce the midfield with a different player, capable of driving, filtering passes, and accelerating play between the lines. The profile fits perfectly with what the yellow team needs. Ounahi offers mobility, creativity, and a game reading that allows him to appear both at the base and near the opponent's area.

The player's release clause is around 20 million euros, a manageable figure for several LaLiga clubs. However, Girona's relegation changes the scenario and opens the door to negotiations below that amount.

Villarreal believes this could be a difficult opportunity to repeat. The Moroccan still has room for growth, knows the Spanish competition, and would arrive at an ideal time to make a competitive leap.

🚨 Villarreal is very interested in Ounahi.

👀 Atleti has tested the waters.

💰 He has a €20M release clause, but due to Girona's relegation, a lower price could be negotiated.

ℹ️ @GonzaloTortosa pic.twitter.com/opgJtHi64B

— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) June 15, 2026

Atlético de Madrid remains attentive to Girona's situation

Atlético de Madrid has also explored the situation of Azzedine Ounahi. At the Metropolitano, they value his ability to break lines with the ball and provide a pause that has not always been abundant in the red and white midfield.

The colchonero club has not yet taken a definitive step but keeps the name on the table. Diego Simeone wants a more versatile squad, and the Moroccan international fits that hybrid profile that is currently popular in the market.

For Girona, the interest from several clubs could be good news. Although the relegation weakens their negotiating power, the competition between Atlético Madrid and Villarreal could help raise the final price. Azzedine Ounahi, moreover, would not mind staying in LaLiga. His adaptation to Spanish football has been positive, and a move to a team with European aspirations could accelerate his consolidation.

Girona's relegation could lower the operation's cost

The key to the operation lies in Girona's new economic context. The club needs to adjust salaries, reorganize its squad, and prepare for a very demanding season in the second tier. This situation makes Azzedine Ounahi an obvious market piece. He is not a player intended for the Second Division, and his sale would provide liquidity without completely dismantling the project.

Villarreal has an advantage in intensity and need. The Castellon team is looking for talent to compete with more resources in the midfield and sees the Moroccan as an immediate performance bet.

On the other hand, Atlético de Madrid is observing more calmly. Their interest exists, but it will depend on departures, priorities, and the financial room that the sports management has during the summer.

In any case, Azzedine Ounahi's future seems far from Montilivi. Girona knows it will have to negotiate, Villarreal is pressing, and Atlético de Madrid remains on the lookout for a real market opportunity.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Pelea encarnizada entre Villarreal y Atlético por un jugón del Mundial 2026