Azzedine Ounahi has rejected proposals from Villarreal, which was one of the clubs that had shown the most interest in signing him for the upcoming season. Mundo Deportivo reports that Ounahi considers it is not yet time to decide his future and is prioritizing focusing on the World Cup with Morocco. Ounahi does not intend to pressure Girona or force a transfer and wants all parties to find a satisfactory solution while maintaining a good relationship with the club. The player's release clause is 25 million euros and has not changed following the club's relegation. A future sale, however, is likely to be for less than 20 million euros. Ounahi is under contract until 2030.

Villarreal will compete with Aston Villa for the signing of Azzedine Ounahi. The midfielder’s unofficial price could rise to €25 million in the summer.

After reviving his career at Girona, rumours suggest Azzedine Ounahi could depart in the winter. Villarreal is interested in the player, and other big clubs of a similar stature are expected to show interest in him.

Villarreal made an offer of approximately 20 million euros for Azzedine Ounahi because they considered him to be the ideal reinforcement for their midfield.