Roma talent El Aynaoui targeted by Manchester United and Liverpool

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2 July 2026

Roma midfielder

Neil El Aynaoui

has impressed for Morocco at the 2026

World Cup

, reportedly catching the eye of Liverpool and

Manchester United

Today is the midfielder’s 25th birthday and he is celebrating it by participating with his country at the

in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27:

of AS

Roma

celebrates with his teammate after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between AS

and FC Midtjylland at Stadio Olimpico on November 27, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Morocco held Brazil to a 1-1 draw before beating Scotland and Haiti, then knocked the Netherlands out of the tournament with a penalty shoot-out and will face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25:

celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal with his teammate Donyell Malen during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS

at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

El Aynaoui only made the move to

a year ago for €23.5m plus add-ons from RC Lens.

Despite some injuries and a prolonged absence at the Africa Cup of Nations, he amassed 34 competitive appearances for the

Giallorossi

, contributing two goals and two assists.

According to TEAMtalk

, his performances at the

have caught the eye of Premier League sides

and Liverpool, who were impressed by his defensive discipline and athleticism.

Gian Piero Gasperini has said that

El Aynaoui has great potential

, but that he is still moulding the player to fit his vision of football.

With that in mind,

Roma would not hold the Moroccan back

if he was the subject of a big money offer.

Report: Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal in move for World Cup midfielder

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Man Utd now pushing ahead with move to sign World Cup star ahead of Liverpool, Man City

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Neil El Aynaoui: World Cup unsung hero emerges as ideal midfield addition for Man United

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