AFC Ajax have missed out on signing midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, with Panathinaikos reaching a verbal agreement with Girona for the Moroccan international. According to a report by roundtable.io, the Greek club has secured the 26-year-old creative player, who will become the highest earner at the Athens-based team.
This news comes as Ajax are enjoying a strong start to their Eredivisie campaign. Michel Sanchez's side currently sit fourth in the table with seven points from three matches, having recorded two wins and a draw. With eight goals scored and only two conceded, Ajax boast a +6 goal difference, though they trail league leaders AZ Alkmaar by five points in the title race.
Why was Ajax targeting a creative midfielder?
Ajax entered the transfer window looking to add more creativity to their midfield. Earlier this summer, the club attempted to sign Sven Mijnans from AZ Alkmaar, but the player opted to join PSV Eindhoven instead. As an alternative, Ajax secured Julian Brandt on a free transfer. The German midfielder has made an immediate impact, scoring three goals in his first seven games.
Despite this success, the club remained active in the market. Technical staff held talks earlier in the season about Azzedine Ounahi and worked on a potential deal over recent weeks. Various reports claimed Ounahi had permission to travel to Amsterdam for negotiations, but other sources suggested rival clubs could outbid Ajax.
What makes Ounahi an attractive player?
Azzedine Ounahi is a 26-year-old midfielder who excels when given freedom to create. He can operate as a number 8 but isn't particularly strong defensively. His main qualities lie in building play and creating chances. According to journalist Santi Aouna, "a verbal agreement is in place between Panathinaikos and Girona for Ounahi."
For Ajax, this means the club must rely on other options. Abdellah Ouazane and Oscar Gloukh are viewed as similar players for the number 10 and left wing positions. Ouazane recently featured in the 5-3 win against FC Sion, and the club needs to ensure he gets sufficient game time this season. The full squad is available on our squad page.
How does Ajax's current midfield look?
Missing out on Ounahi highlights the need for additional depth in midfield. Ajax have recently secured deals for Simon Adingra and Thilo Kehrer, but if the club were to sign another player, it should be someone who can play both as a number 6 and a number 8. Currently, Sofyan Amrabat is the only genuine number 6 in the squad, though Jorthy Mokio and Daley Blind can cover that role if needed.
Youri Regeer has joined Werder Bremen on loan, making an extra option in the number 8 position useful. Squad depth will be essential if Ajax want to progress far in the Conference League and challenge for the Eredivisie title. The current standings show a tight title race where Ajax must close the gap on AZ.
What are the next steps for Ajax?
With the transfer window closed, Michel Sanchez must work with his current squad. Focus now shifts entirely to the league and European football. Ajax face an important away fixture against FC Twente on November 8th. Twente currently sit eighth in the table, promising a challenging encounter. The full schedule can be viewed in our fixtures.
The coming weeks will be decisive for Ajax's season. With a solid defensive organization-just two goals conceded in three matches-and enough creativity in attack, the team has all the ingredients for a successful campaign. The match against Twente on November 8th presents the next test in that ambitious pursuit.
