# Barcelona midfield recruitment

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/barcelona-midfield-recruitment
> Updated: 2026-08-03T09:19:33.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

In early August 2026, FC Barcelona began scouting Moroccan midfielders to replace the injured Frenkie de Jong. Initial reports highlighted Azenn Ounachi, a former Panathinaikos player now with Zira, whose €25 million release clause attracted interest from Saudi club Al‑Ittihad, though negotiations stalled.

The following day, Barcelona was also linked to another Moroccan midfielder, Azzedine Ounahi, who had impressed at Girona. Ounahi carries the same €25 million clause, but Barcelona reportedly aims to secure him for around €10 million. While Ounahi is a secondary option, the club’s primary target remains Rodri of Manchester City, with Real Madrid also in contention.

Together, the reports show Barcelona actively pursuing multiple Moroccan midfield prospects as part of its broader effort to rebuild the midfield after de Jong’s long‑term injury.

## Claims

- Cagliari Calcio is considering signing Kevin Carlos as a striker. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Kevin Carlos Omoruyi Benjamin was born on 10 April 2001 in Ceuta, Spain. (single source)
- Kevin Carlos is a Spanish striker with Nigerian origins and a height of 186 cm. (single source)
- Kevin Carlos currently plays for OGC Nice and may leave after a difficult season. (single source)
- FC Barcelona is evaluating Azzedine Ounahi as a midfield signing. (single source)
- Azzedine Ounahi's release clause is €25 million, but Barcelona may aim to pay around €10 million. (single source)
- Barcelona's midfield needs arise due to Frenkie de Jong's knee injury and the possible departure of Marc Casadó. (single source)
- Barcelona's primary midfield target is Rodri of Manchester City, with Real Madrid also interested. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-03: Cagliari secures loan deals for Daniel Maldini and Kevin Carlos

Cagliari has agreed to loan Daniel Maldini from Atalanta (option to buy for €8 m) and is close to signing Spanish striker Kevin Carlos from Nice on a similar loan deal, bolstering its attack.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cagliari-eyes-striker-kevin-carlos-as-barcelona-eyes-midfielder-azzedine-ounahi

### 2026-08-02: Barcelona target former Panathinaikos midfielder Azenn Ounachi after Frenkie de Jong injury

Barcelona consider signing Moroccan midfielder Azenn Ounachi, a former Panathinaikos player, to cover Frenkie de Jong’s injury, while Saudi club Al‑Ittihad also shows interest.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/barcelona-target-former-panathinaikos-midfielder-azenn-ounachi-after-frenkie-de-jong-injury

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Cite as: Barcelona midfield recruitment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/barcelona-midfield-recruitment