The Dutch maestro is expected to be sidelined for four to five months due to a tear in his medial collateral ligament and will undergo conservative treatment. In response, Barcelona has identified Azzedine Ounahi, the Morocco international, as a potential midfield addition. Ounahi’s name has surfaced as a viable option given the financial constraints and the current need for midfield depth.
Ounahi emerges as an affordable alternative. Reports indicate the 26-year-old could be available for around €10 million this summer, making him a practical choice for a club mindful of Financial Fair Play requirements. The injury to De Jong and the departure of Marc Casado this summer have pushed Barcelona to consider a broader range of options, including Ounahi.
There are reasons to be cautious, however. Ounahi may not be a direct stylistic replacement for De Jong or Casado. He is widely regarded as an attacking midfielder with significant attacking instincts. While he can slot into deeper midfield roles, similar to pressing options like Olmo when deployed deeper, he is not renowned for defensive coverage on the same level as De Jong or Casado. Even at a €10 million price, signing him would represent a sizable investment for a position where Barcelona already has other considerations.
A prudent strategic path could be to promote talent from within. Barcelona’s La Masia has a proven track record of producing high-quality midfielders, and current academy prospects are starting to push for deeper-lying roles. Players such as Tommy Marques, Xavi Espart, and Brian Farinas are among those who could be considered for more prominent midfield duties. Utilizing homegrown talent could maintain squad balance and development trajectories while ensuring the club stays within its financial boundaries.
Signing Ounahi, while financially appealing, could also hinder the progression of emerging talents like Ebrima Tunkara, who is capable of playing in attacking midfield. Given the potential benefits of internal development and the long-term value of integrating academy products, a move for Ounahi this summer may not align with Barcelona’s best strategic interests.
In summary, De Jong’s injury has forced Barcelona to evaluate midfield reinforcements carefully. Ounahi presents an affordable option, but his style may not perfectly match the club’s needs at present. The smarter course could involve prioritizing internal promotion from La Masia, allowing young talents to step up and help sustain the team’s evolution while preserving financial flexibility for future signings.
