Hull City and Ipswich step up pursuit of Girona's Ounahi deal

Hull City and Ipswich Town have intensified their attempts to sign Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, with both English clubs now pushing to make a deal happen before the transfer deadline. Girona are also open to the 26-year-old leaving, as a sale would generate funds and reduce their wage commitments.

Ounahi is expected to depart the Spanish club, but Hull and Ipswich face competition from Al-Ittihad and Ajax. The Saudi Arabian club can offer the Morocco international a move to the Gulf, while Ajax have revived their interest after previously struggling to progress over Girona’s financial demands and the number of clubs pursuing the player.

The midfielder’s next destination may depend on the sporting plan placed in front of him. Ounahi is looking for a project that persuades him, giving Hull and Ipswich an opportunity to compete with Al-Ittihad’s financial appeal. Ajax also have a connection through Girona manager Míchel, who knows the player from their time together at the Spanish club and would welcome the chance to work with him again.

Ounahi has only recently returned to Girona after representing Morocco at the World Cup and taking a holiday afterwards. His displays at the tournament increased attention around him, while he also made club history by becoming the first Girona player to score at a World Cup finals.

Girona’s interest in completing a transfer is clear from the financial and squad benefits involved. Moving Ounahi on would bring income to the club and release space on the wage bill, allowing Girona greater room to pursue further additions before the deadline.

Hull and Ipswich have therefore moved beyond an initial interest in the Morocco international. Ajax and Al-Ittihad remain in the race, leaving Ounahi to assess which of the competing projects best matches his ambitions before deciding where his career will continue.