Premier League scouts track El Aynaoui
AS Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui has emerged as a primary target for several Premier League clubs following his dominant displays for Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to reports from TEAMtalk and Italian media, Manchester United and Liverpool are among the clubs closely monitoring the 25-year-old’s situation as the summer transfer window approaches.
While no formal bids have been tabled, the list of interested parties is extensive. Intermediaries have reportedly opened exploratory discussions with Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton, Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Sunderland, and Everton to gauge the feasibility of a move. The surge in interest follows a string of high-stakes performances against top-tier international opposition, including Brazil and the Netherlands.
A tale of two roles
The intensity of the pursuit contrasts sharply with El Aynaoui’s status at the Stadio Olimpico. Under manager Gian Piero Gasperini, the midfielder has struggled for consistent playing time, often relegated to a rotational role behind the established pivot of Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné. Last season, while he featured in 30 matches across all competitions, he started only eight, frequently finding himself on the bench as Gasperini opted for different tactical profiles.
For the Moroccan national team, however, El Aynaoui is an undisputed pillar. Having been instrumental in their Africa Cup of Nations success, he has maintained his form in the United States, starting every match of Morocco’s current World Cup campaign. His ability to anchor the midfield with intensity and technical precision has cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in international football.
Financial implications for Roma
The uncertainty surrounding his future at Roma is compounded by the club’s ongoing need to balance its financial books to satisfy regulatory requirements. With his market value rising due to his visibility on the global stage, Roma may face a difficult decision: integrate El Aynaoui into the starting XI as a core component of Gasperini’s 3-4-2-1 system or capitalize on his current valuation to fund further squad reinforcement. For the player, the priority remains consistent minutes, making a move to a club that offers a clearer path to the starting lineup an increasingly attractive prospect.