Panathinaikos Set to Complete Major Coup With Azzedine Ounahi Return

Panathinaikos are close to completing one of the biggest transfers in the club’s history, with Azzedine Ounahi set to return to Athens after a long and turbulent negotiating process.

The Greek club has reached verbal agreements with both Girona and the 26-year-old Morocco international. The deal is structured as a direct transfer and would become Panathinaikos’ most expensive player purchase if all formalities are completed.

Club owner Giannis Alafouzos gave approval for Panathinaikos to push its efforts as far as necessary to bring Ounahi back. Sporting officials worked through several possible arrangements before finding common ground with Girona and the player’s representatives. Ounahi also wanted to wear the green shirt again and helped bridge the remaining differences.

Panathinaikos has agreed a four-year contract with the midfielder and intends to preserve the balance of its squad while meeting his financial demands. Coach Jacob Neestrup supported the move from the outset, believing Ounahi could add quality, creativity and different qualities to the midfield.

Ounahi was due to arrive in Athens at 10 p.m. to sign the contract. The club now faces a race against time to complete the required procedures before the UEFA deadline and register him for its European squad. If no last-minute problem arises, he will wear the Panathinaikos shirt again.