OM Transfer Market: Ounahi to Panathinaikos? Persistent rumors but still no official agreement

Rumors are swirling around Azzedine Ounahi, but nothing is set in stone yet. According to @JamaInfoFR, a deal was finalized yesterday with Panathinaikos for around €8M + €2M in bonuses, and the player has reportedly given the green light for a return to Greece, where he excelled on loan last season (37 matches, 5 goals, 7 assists). Greek sources like @Olegr470656 and @greencornergr confirm advanced negotiations, with a potential offer increased to around €6.5M + €3M in bonuses + 10% on resale. But be cautious, journalist Santi Aouna from Foot Mercato denied any agreement last night, stating that the player remains open to a permanent departure without it being finalized. We are in total uncertainty—is it a bluff to raise the stakes, or will a deal eventually be struck?

🔵⚪️ #MercatOM: Contrary to rumors, no agreement between OM 🇫🇷 and Panathinaikos 🇬🇷 for Azzedine Ounahi 🇲🇦. The midfielder is not, however, closed to the idea of a permanent transfer to Greece. @Santi_J_FM #TeamOM

— Goatier (@Goatier29) August 13, 2025

Ounahi, a failed stint due to lack of commitment?

Let's be honest: since his explosive arrival in January 2023 after a fantastic 2022 World Cup with Morocco, Ounahi has never really lived up to expectations. We hoped for a midfield maestro, but in two and a half years, he played only 51 matches, often held back by injuries, competition... and let's be frank, a glaring lack of personal commitment. He failed to establish himself as a leader or show the fierceness that makes the difference at a high level. Under De Zerbi, he is clearly out of plans for 2025-2026. His successful loan at Panathinaikos proves he has talent, but in Marseille, it was more his attitude than the context that was the problem. A departure seems inevitable—and frankly, it could be a relief for everyone.

I really like Ounahi, but he got lost all by himself

— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) August 2, 2025

A modest sale, but welcomed cash to restart the transfer market

If the deal confirms around €8-10M (including bonuses), it's not the deal of the century for a 25-year-old international recruited for €8M from Angers. OM initially aimed higher (€12M without a loan) and has already refused low offers like Girona's €3M in July. But financially, it frees up about €150,000 in monthly salary and injects cash for financial fair play. Sportingly, they are not losing an indisputable pillar. The real interest? Reinvesting this money to fill gaps in the squad. Other options like Brighton (verbal agreement with the player in June) or failed exchanges with Girona for Miguel Gutierrez show the market is hot—if Pana backs off, perhaps they could scratch more.

🚨🔴⚪️🇪🇸🇲🇦 #Liga | ❗️Girona and OM discussed an exchange Miguel Gutierrez 🆚️ Ounahi ➕️ money ➡️ The deal won't happen and Miguel Gutierrez is close to signing with Napoli

With @HanifBerkane

— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) August 2, 2025

What to do with this money? Ideas to boost the team!

This is where it gets exciting, right? As journalist Hakim Zhouri said, "With Ounahi's departure, a new arrival is possible." This money could unlock cases blocked due to lack of funds. Priority to defense: Joel Ordoñez (Club Bruges) is keen to come, but the price is around €30M—selling Ounahi plus others (like Rowe at €20M?) could help fund this Ecuadorian rock who would do wonders in central defense. Offensively, a trade Moumbagna for Edon Zhegrova (Lille) is in the air—Lille covets our Cameroonian, and Zhegrova would bring the creativity lacking on the wings. In midfield, loans like Ismael Bennacer (Milan) or Matt O’Riley (Celtic) could fill the void, or perhaps Equi Fernandez (Boca) as an alternative to Medina? Not to forget Miguel Gutierrez (Girona), who is hesitating with Naples or even a surprise move like Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr) to solidify the back. Fans on X are already speculating on combos: Ounahi + Moumbagna or Maupay for a major reinforcement. With recent arrivals like Tim Weah (loan) and Igor Paixão, this money could be the trigger for a more balanced squad before the transfer window closes on August 31.

@IlFenomeno6z @GironaFC_FR @OM_Officiel Well, 10 million you sell Ounahi plus a Moumbagna and Maupay you're almost at 20 million so it almost pays for Ordoñez quite simply

— yanis (@Yaniss1138) August 13, 2025

Share your thoughts on this Ounahi saga!

Do you believe in a quick departure, or should OM aim higher? And with the money, who should be targeted urgently to strengthen the team? Let's debate in the comments, just like at the Vélodrome after a match!