Olympique de Marseille pursues Azzedine Ounahi deal as former director Medhi Benatia remains influential

Olympique de Marseille (OM) is negotiating the possible transfer of Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who currently plays for Girona. Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam has opened talks with Girona, aiming to trigger Ounahi’s €25 million release clause. Media reports differ on the percentage of a future resale that OM will receive, with estimates ranging from 20 % to 30 %, which could bring the French club roughly €5 million if the deal goes through.

Although no formal agreement has been reached, the transfer saga highlights OM’s need for funds this summer. Meanwhile, former director of football Medhi Benatia, who officially left the club in May, continues to operate behind the scenes at the request of OM owner Frank McCourt. Benatia is using his network to influence several transfer dossiers, supporting internal staff and facilitating negotiations, despite not holding an official position.

Both the Ounahi negotiations and Benatia’s informal involvement illustrate OM’s broader strategy to strengthen its squad and improve its financial standing ahead of the new season.