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Official: Azzedine Ounahi Returns to Panathinaikos in Reported €15 Million Move

Azzedine Ounahi is heading back to Athens, with Panathinaikos officially confirming the Moroccan midfielder's return after an impressive season in Spain with Girona.

By the Atlas Lions Editorial Desk2 Sept 2026How we report

Azzedine Ounahi is officially a Panathinaikos player once again.

The Greek club confirmed the return of the Moroccan international on Wednesday, bringing the midfielder back to Athens after his successful spell with Girona in La Liga.

The Magic Is Back

Panathinaikos announced Ounahi's arrival through a social media video accompanied by a simple but powerful message: “The magic is back.”

The move represents a return to a club where the Moroccan midfielder previously enjoyed one of the most memorable periods of his career.

During his 2024–25 loan spell at Panathinaikos, Ounahi quickly became a fan favorite and was voted Player of the Season by the club's supporters.

Now, he returns to an environment where he already knows the league, the club, and the passion of the supporters.

Ounahi Chooses Athens

Ounahi attracted interest from several clubs during the transfer window, with Ajax among those monitoring the Moroccan playmaker.

Ultimately, however, the midfielder chose a return to Panathinaikos, opting to continue his career in a familiar setting.

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, the transfer fee is reportedly €15 million, with the agreement also including a sell-on clause that would give Girona a percentage of any future transfer.

A Strong Season in Spain

Ounahi arrives back in Greece after an encouraging campaign with Girona.

The Moroccan midfielder made 24 La Liga appearances, scoring five goals and providing two assists as he continued to demonstrate his technical quality and ability to influence matches from midfield.

His time in Spain added another important chapter to a career that has already taken him through several major European football environments.

A World Cup to Remember

Ounahi's return to Panathinaikos also comes after a memorable 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with Morocco.

The midfielder played a central role in the Atlas Lions' journey to the quarterfinals, providing composure, energy, and creativity in the heart of the Moroccan midfield.

His tournament reached another high point in the Round of 16 against Canada, when he scored twice in Morocco's 3-0 victory, becoming the first Moroccan player to score a brace in a World Cup knockout match.

A New Chapter in Familiar Colors

Now back in Athens, Ounahi will look to build on that momentum and begin another exciting chapter with Panathinaikos.

For the Moroccan international, it is more than a transfer, it is a return to a club where he has already experienced a special connection with the supporters.

The magic is back in Athens, and Ounahi is ready to write the next chapter.

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atlaslions.com is an independent digital media platform dedicated to Moroccan football and global diaspora culture. Run by Atlas Media Network LLC, this content is published under fair-use reporting guidelines for news, commentary, and educational purposes, and is not affiliated with FRMF or with FIFA.