Roma have wrapped up a €25 million deal to sign Neil El Aynaoui from Lens, making the Moroccan midfielder the first signing of Gian Piero Gasperini’s new era.
Roma Transfer News: El Aynaoui Deal Completed
The Giallorossi have landed Neil El Aynaoui from Lens for €23 million plus €2 million in bonuses. The 24-year-old will arrive in Rome on Saturday for his medical before putting pen to paper on a contract until 2030.
The deal includes a resale clause for Lens, who initially signed the French-born Moroccan from Nancy in 2023 for just €600,000. El Aynaoui is expected to arrive in Rome on Saturday for his medical and will sign a contract running until 2030.
His signing doesn’t mean Roma’s business is done – far from it. The club are said to be in pole position to sign Richard Rios from Palmeiras, while negotiations also remain open for Brighton forward Evan Ferguson and Flamengo full-back Wesley.
Who Is Neil El Aynaoui? Gasperini’s Ideal Midfield Fit
El Aynaoui’s rise has been swift. After just one season in Ligue 2 with Nancy, he made the step up to top-flight football with Lens in 2023.
He immediately became an integral part of their midfield setup, impressing with his energy, ball progression, and ability to contribute in attack.
In the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, he made 24 appearances, scoring eight goals and registering one assist.
Across all competitions, he managed nine goals and five assists in 32 games – numbers that suggest a real threat from midfield and a player who fits perfectly into Gasperini’s vertical, high-intensity style.
Neil El Aynaoui Stats 2024/25
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 | 24 | 8 | 1 |
| Europa League | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| Coupe de France | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 32 | 9 | 5 |
Roma Transfer Targets: Who Else Will They Sign?
Despite landing El Aynaoui, Roma hasn’t closed the door on Richard Rios. However, negotiations with Palmeiras have proven tough.
The Brazilian club is demanding a fixed fee of €30 million, and Roma’s most recent offers, structured around €25–27 million plus bonuses, have been rejected.
Gasperini reportedly wants two midfield additions this summer, and while El Aynaoui ticks many boxes, the club will need to weigh the cost-benefit of pursuing Rios versus redirecting funds elsewhere.
Roma have also revived interest in Evan Ferguson, with the idea of a loan move from Brighton gaining traction. Talks are ongoing, but progress has been slow.
At right-back, Flamengo’s Wesley remains on the radar after Roma submitted an improved bid earlier this week.
What El Aynaoui Brings to Roma
In tactical terms, El Aynaoui could slot in as a right-sided central midfielder in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1, offering Roma both defensive balance and goal threat.
His ability to carry the ball forward, press intelligently, and arrive late in the box could be key in unlocking Serie A’s low-block defenses.
Gasperini has a track record of developing midfielders who make the jump to the next level, having been influential for the likes of Remo Freuler, Teun Koopmeiners, or Matteo Pessina at Atalanta.
El Aynaoui, with his rapid development curve, looks like he could be the next in line.
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