Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui has emerged as one of the most sought-after players at the World Cup following a string of impressive performances for Morocco.
Multiple Premier League clubs are now tracking the midfielder closely, with his displays in the tournament catching the attention of some of English football’s biggest names.
Morocco are enjoying another strong World Cup campaign, continuing the tradition the nation established when Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat shone at the previous tournament and earned big moves as a result.
El Aynaoui has been particularly effective operating alongside the highly rated Ayyoub Bouaddi in the middle of the park for the North African side.
According to TeamTalk, his intermediaries have already been in contact with Aston Villa, Brighton, Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Sunderland regarding a potential transfer.
The 2026 World Cup looks set to be the launchpad for his move to a bigger stage, much like previous Morocco players who used major tournaments to secure high-profile transfers.
El Aynaoui only joined Roma a year ago, and the Italian club will understandably be reluctant to lose a player who has proven himself at international level so quickly.
He made 30 appearances for Roma during the season, though he was not always guaranteed a starting spot under his manager at the club.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have also reportedly watched El Aynaoui previously, meaning Premier League clubs face potential competition from Europe’s elite for his signature.
His World Cup performances have undeniably raised his profile and given Roma a difficult decision to make over whether to cash in or build their midfield around him.
Whatever happens next, El Aynaoui has firmly announced himself on the global stage, and a bidding war for his services now looks increasingly likely this summer.
