Leeds United have ‘active interest’ in Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi

The American dream for Azzedine? Maybe so. Leeds United reportedly have an “active interest” in Angers midfielder, Assedine Ounahi. The player was one of the standout players during the Qatar World Cup 2022 for Morocco, who were the surprise package at the tournament, eventually finishing 4th.

The report comes from football journalist Phil Hay, of The Athletic, who says that “the club are considering following up... with a firm approach for Ounahi.” This would be the 3rd signing of the winter window for Leeds, led by American coach, Jesse Marsch, after they acquired the services of Max Wöber from RB Salzburg and Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim. The club’s minority shareholder, 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, is thought to have played a part in funding the deal.

Leeds’ Premier League struggles

Leeds United under Jesse Marsch has been a story of constant struggle, as the team have failed to get on a strong run of form, despite the coach now being in England almost a year. Last season, it took goals on the final day against Brentford to save their status as a top division club, and now they currently sit 2 points off the relegation places, despite the manager saying that the team are not in a relegation battle.

Leeds have conceded the second-highest number of goals in the league - around 2 per game - and have won just 2 of their last 17 matches, causing Marsch’s narrow style of play to be questioned.

USMNT representation in Leeds

Ounahi would join a midfield of Marc Roca and USMNT Male Player of the Year, Tyler Adams. A high point in Leeds’ season, Adams has brought a tough-tackling personality to the Premier League, and is already being touted by some as a future captain of the club.

Brenden Aaronson is the other USMNT player in the Leeds team, although his form has dropped ever since his return from the World Cup in Qatar, causing many to call for the midfielder to be dropped temporarily from the squad, something that seems unlikely given Marsch’s commitment to using the ex-Philadelphia Union player.