Since summer 2025 began, Azzedine Ounahi has faced a difficult situation at Olympique de Marseille (OM). Excluded from coach Roberto De Zerbi’s plans, the 25-year-old Moroccan midfielder has been training with the reserve team awaiting a transfer. While OM demands a minimum fee of €12 million, an offer from Spartak Moscow at this price was rejected. Girona, a Spanish La Liga club finishing 16th last season, showed real interest but proposed only €3 million for 50% of Ounahi’s rights, which OM deemed far too low.
To facilitate the transfer, the two clubs considered a swap deal involving Spanish left-back Miguel Gutierrez, a Real Madrid academy product valued around €20 million. OM, seeking to replace Quentin Merlin, targeted Gutierrez, who played in the Champions League last season. However, significant disagreement on player valuation quickly derailed the deal. Latest reports indicate Gutierrez will likely join Napoli on a five-year contract, while Ounahi remains sidelined and uncertain.
This attempted exchange highlights OM’s struggles this summer in managing their squad and transfers. The Moroccan international remains in limbo, looking for a new challenge but with limited concrete options. This stalemate underscores the complexity of negotiations and valuations between clubs, alongside the broader financial challenges of the summer transfer market.
