Manchester United and Liverpool are monitoring Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui following his standout performances for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. The 25-year-old has played a key role as the Atlas Lions progressed to the Round of 16, attracting attention from England’s top flight just one year into his Serie A career.
According to TEAMtalk, both Premier League clubs have been impressed by the defensive discipline and athleticism El Aynaoui has displayed on the global stage. The midfielder joined Roma from French side RC Lens twelve months ago in a deal worth €23.5 million plus additional clauses, marking a significant step up from Ligue 1.
Adaptation to Italian football
El Aynaoui’s first season in Rome has produced mixed availability but encouraging output. Despite facing injury setbacks and a lengthy absence during the Africa Cup of Nations, he has accumulated 34 competitive appearances for the Giallorossi, registering two goals and two assists across all competitions.
His domestic contributions have been overshadowed by his international displays, which have coincided with Morocco’s impressive World Cup run. The Atlas Lions held Brazil to a 1-1 draw before securing victories over Scotland and Haiti, then eliminated the Netherlands via a penalty shoot-out to advance to the knockout phase.
El Aynaoui turned 25 during the tournament and will feature when Morocco face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday.
Gasperini’s assessment and Roma’s position
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini has publicly acknowledged the player’s potential while indicating that he remains a work in progress. The Italian tactician stated that El Aynaoui possesses “great potential” but explained that he is still moulding the midfielder to fit his tactical system.
This developmental context suggests Roma would not obstruct El Aynaoui’s departure should a substantial financial offer materialise. The club’s stance indicates openness to a profitable sale despite the Moroccan’s relatively recent arrival in the Italian capital.
Any move would represent a swift return to northern France or a switch to English football, with the Premier League duo reportedly weighing up whether to formalise their interest into concrete bids as the transfer window approaches.