Azzedine Ounahi: The World Cup star that Leeds United have wanted for years

Leeds United have tracked Morocco star Azzedine Ounahi for years, but a transfer has never worked out.

Currently playing for Girona, the midfielder is starring for the Atlas Lions at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Ounahi grabbed the headlines again on Saturday, scoring twice as his country eased past Canada to reach the quarter-finals.

Daniel Farke and Leeds will have taken notice, again, with this story going way back to 2023 in LS11.

Ounahi has switched clubs consistently since then, but the interest has never seemingly disappeared from the Whites.

But, it could now be harder than ever to get a deal over the line for Leeds and Ounahi.

Leeds United and Azzedine Ounahi go way back

This story refuses to go back.

In January 2023, Leeds were fighting to stay in the Premier League under Jesse Marsch, but he would only last one more month in charge.

The American tried to make gamechanging transfers in that winter window as a last effort to save himself, including Ounahi.

At that time, the midfielder was at Angers in France, and Leeds actually bid £22million for Ounahi.

Even going as far as personal talks with Marsch, Ounahi would end January staying in France and signing for Marseille instead.

Do Leeds United still want Azzedine Ounahi?

Reports across Europe refuse to go away, still.

Despite struggling with Marseille, including a loan move to Panathinaikos, Ounahi still manages to shine on the global stage with his country.

The 26-year-old is now actually in Spain with Girona, who were astonishingly relegated from La Liga last season.

Now, that opens the door for Ounahi to move on, and his performances are attracting great attention at the World Cup.

MOT Leeds News understands that the Whites were interested in Ounahi at the start of the summer, but other opportunities have since emerged.

Mainly Shea Charles, with Farke pushing to sign the Southampton midfielder with two bids already rejected.

Ounahi is one of those players who are consistently linked, and with exits not yet sorted at Elland Road, he could still be on the agenda between now and September.