Manchester United and Liverpool are set to engage in a titanic battle off the pitch for AS Roma's rising star, Neil El Aynaoui, whose meteoric rise at the 2026 World Cup is shaking up the European transfer market. The Moroccan international, who celebrates his 25th birthday today, has quickly become one of the most sought-after names in world football as he represents Morocco in the tournament taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
El Aynaoui, a key figure in Roma's midfield, has been one of the standout performers of this World Cup. His impact is undeniable: he helped Morocco secure a draw against footballing giants Brazil (1-1), followed by victories over Scotland and Haiti, and was instrumental in the surprising elimination of the Netherlands after a dramatic penalty shootout. Now, the Moroccan national team is preparing to face Canada, one of the co-hosts, in the round of 16 this Saturday – and all eyes will be on the number 8 shirt of Roma.
The significance of this interest from English teams cannot be underestimated. El Aynaoui only arrived in the Italian capital a year ago from RC Lens for a fee of €23.5 million plus variables. Despite some injuries and a prolonged absence due to the Africa Cup of Nations, the midfielder has managed to make 34 official appearances in the “giallorossi” shirt, scoring two goals and providing two assists for his teammates. What truly impresses scouts is his defensive discipline, tactical intelligence, and above-average physical power, attributes that fit perfectly with both the “Red Devils” and the “Reds.”
El Aynaoui's performance at the highest level has not gone unnoticed by coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who recently stated at a press conference following Roma's victory over FC Midtjylland in the Europa League: “Neil has enormous potential, but he is still being worked on to fully adapt to our idea of play.” The Italian coach also left the future of the midfielder open: “If an irresistible offer comes in, Roma will not be an obstacle. We are aware of the player's value and his desire to grow.”
The possible transfer of El Aynaoui could trigger a true multimillion-pound race, placing Roma in a strong negotiating position. The interest from two Premier League giants promises to inflate the transfer fee at a time when Roma is seeking financial stability and planning a squad restructuring. For the player, this is a golden opportunity to make the leap to English football and solidify his position as an international star.
O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO
In the coming days, attention will focus not only on El Aynaoui's performance on the pitch but also off it, where agents and executives are preparing decisive moves. The midfielder's future could even be decided during the World Cup, should Morocco continue to surprise and the interest from English giants translate into concrete offers. One thing is certain: Neil El Aynaoui has become, during the World Cup, the hottest name of the transfer window and could be the protagonist of one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer.
AGORA PODE ACOMPANHAR O MUNDIAL DE FUTEBOL COM TODA INFORMAÇÃO – AQUI
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
