Girona's season has been a rollercoaster, but a recent win over Villarreal offers hope. However, a cloud hangs over the summer transfer window, with the club facing the familiar threat of losing its top talent.
This is a recurring story for the Catalan side. Past departures of key figures like Aleix Garcia and Artem Dovbyk have already reshaped Michel's squad. Now, despite being in contention for a European spot, Girona braces for another wave of interest in its stars.
While loanee Vitor Reis will return to Manchester City, and the futures of Arnau Martínez and Viktor Tsygankov are uncertain, the most pressing concern is Azzedine Ounahi. The Moroccan midfielder has been sensational when fit, dazzling in his debut season despite being limited to 16 appearances by injury.
His performances have not gone unnoticed. Reports from Spain indicate clubs in La Liga, the Premier League, and the Bundesliga are circling. The major alarm for Girona is Ounahi's surprisingly accessible €20 million release clause—a figure that makes him a prime target, especially for financially powerful English clubs.
The situation could escalate rapidly. Ounahi is set to feature for Morocco at this summer's World Cup, a global stage where his creativity and dynamism could attract even more suitors. For Girona, it's a frustrating position; they may have little power to prevent a player of his caliber from departing after just one standout season.