Marseille’s Unsuccessful Attempt to Sign Houssem Aouar

Houssem Aouar, the 26-year-old Algerian midfielder, is enjoying a remarkable first season with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. However, his career path could have taken a different turn according to recent reports.

Aouar transferred from AS Roma to Al-Ittihad last summer for approximately €12 million. He quickly adapted to his new team, scoring 10 goals and providing 4 assists in 22 Saudi Pro League appearances. Al-Ittihad showed great interest in acquiring the Algerian international, with Karim Benzema playing a role in persuading Aouar to join the Middle Eastern club.

Interestingly, both Aouar and Benzema began their careers at Olympique Lyonnais. However, Aouar nearly returned to France last summer, with Olympique de Marseille, Lyon’s fierce rivals, showing interest in signing him.

A source close to the former Lyon midfielder revealed, “We discovered that Marseille was interested in Houssem and had contacted Roma, but the transfer to Al-Ittihad was already at an advanced stage.” This information sheds light on what could have been a dramatic move in French football.

Aouar’s successful start in Saudi Arabia suggests that his decision to join Al-Ittihad may have been the right choice for his career, despite the missed opportunity to return to Ligue 1 with Marseille.