Manchester City Identifies Girona’s Azzedine Ounahi as Potential Successor to Bernardo Silva

Manchester City targets Moroccan star Azzedine Ounahi to replace Bernardo Silva. The €20M-rated Girona midfielder is seen as a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 3:50 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Strategic Succession Planning for Post Bernardo Silva Era

As the tenure of Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva at the Etihad Stadium appears to be drawing to a close, Manchester City’s recruitment team has accelerated its search for a high-caliber replacement. According to reports from the Spanish television program El Chiringuito, the club has identified Azzedine Ounahi as a primary candidate to fill the impending creative void. The Moroccan international has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in La Liga, showcasing the technical versatility and tactical intelligence that Pep Guardiola demands from his interior midfielders. City’s management views the transition as a vital step in maintaining their competitive dominance as they brace for a major midfield reshuffle.

Leveraging the City Football Group Network Advantage

The pursuit of Ounahi is significantly bolstered by the institutional ties between Manchester City and Girona FC, both of which are prominent members of the City Football Group. This internal connection provides the English champions with a distinct strategic advantage, potentially streamlining negotiations that would otherwise be complicated by external competition. Sources close to the club indicate that City may opt to structure a deal that exceeds Ounahi’s reported €20 million release clause to allow for staggered payments, a move designed to satisfy financial regulations while rewarding Girona for the player’s rapid development since his arrival from Marseille in 2025.

Breakthrough Statistics and Leadership in the Girona Engine Room

Ounahi’s impact on the field this season has been statistically significant, making him one of the most productive midfielders in the Spanish top flight. Over the course of 19 La Liga appearances, the 26-year-old has recorded five goals and multiple assists, often being credited with carrying the team’s creative burden during critical fixtures. Beyond his goal-scoring contributions, his passing accuracy of 85% and his ability to operate under intense physical pressure have marked him as a "Guardiola-style" player. His performances have not only propelled Girona into a competitive European spot but have also solidified his status as a leader within the squad.