Real Madrid Set For Neil El Aynaoui Swoop With Talks Underway For Roma Midfielder
El Aynaoui impressed with Morocco at the African Cup of Nations.
Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui is on Real Madrid’s radar, reports claim.
Neil El Aynaoui Attracts Real Madrid Interest
He has attracted interest from a host of elite clubs after impressing at the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco.
El Aynaoui joined Roma last summer from Ligue 1 side RC Lens in a deal worth €23million but, despite not fully adapting to life in Italy or cementing a spot in the starting XI, he could already be on the move.
According to Sky Suisse, Madrid scouts closely watched the talented 24-year-old in action during the AFCON, and they are ‘seriously considering’ launching a swoop over the coming months.
For now, their plan is clear. They will continue to monitor his progress with the Giallorossi until the end of the season before making a final decision on whether to make an official approach.
El Aynaoui has given the green light to the potential switch and indicated Madrid would be his priority.
Initial contact has been made between the LaLiga heavyweights and his entourage but remains informal, with no concrete developments expected during the current transfer window.
He has made 18 appearances at the Stadio Olimpico this season, scoring one goal and registering an assist.
Barcelona Set To Enter Transfer Race
However, Barcelona are also keen on El Aynaoui. According to Fichajes, they believe he could make an immediate impact and continue to perform in the long term, and as such, they are keeping tabs.
The Catalan outfit could even hold the early advantage over Real Madrid.
Indeed, the midfielder took the No 8 shirt at Roma because of his idol, Andres Iniesta.
“I grew up near Barcelona, so naturally, I supported this team, and I’ve always been a great fan of Andres Iniesta,” said El Aynaoui. “I’ve always dreamt of wearing this number.”
The former Nancy man is renowned for his physical power in the centre of the pitch, as well as his box-to-box ability. Those traits, combined with his strong tactical awareness, would make him a perfect fit in Spain.
There is also growing interest from the Premier League, meaning Real and Barcelona will likely have to move fast.
El Aynaoui spent just one campaign in Ligue 2 with Nancy before making the step up to the top-flight with Lens in 2023. He became an immediate starter, impressing with his energy and ball progression.
In 2024/25, he made 24 appearances, scoring eight goals. Across all competitions, he netted nine times in 32 games, impressive numbers that convinced Gian Piero Gasperini to snap him up.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid want Jacobo Ramon, the ‘monster’ Como defender also coveted by Manchester United.
Dan Davis
Dan is an experienced sports journalist and part-time lecturer. An expert on Serie A and Italian football, he has produced content for the likes of the Daily Mail, Reach PLC, GiveMeSport, FourFourTwo and GRV Media. While Channel 4's iconic Football Italia was a bit before his time, the nostalgia - and pastries - fuelled his love of all things Calcio.
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