Roma talent El Aynaoui targeted by Manchester United and Liverpool

Roma talent El Aynaoui targeted by Manchester United and Liverpool 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 25 th birthday and he is celebrating it by participating with his country at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: Neil El Aynaoui 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 Roma 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. Roma see El Aynaoui flourish BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Neil El Aynaoui of AS Roma celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal with his teammate Donyell Malen during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma 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 Roma 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 World Cup have caught the eye of Premier League sides Manchester United 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.