Moroccan midfield dynamo Neil El Aynawy in Liverpool's sights; TEAMtalk report that transfer talks have begun
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are interested in Morocco international midfielder Neil El Aynawy. The Reds have stepped up their search for new options amid uncertainty over Mac Allister's future and Curtis Jones' contract situation.
Liverpool are rethinking their midfield options this summer. While Real Madrid have been linked with an interest in Alexis McAllister in recent months, Curtis Jones is out of contract in 12 months. Against this background, if Antony Iriola loses one or two key midfielders, it is expected that he will move in the transfer market for a new replacement.
The latest addition to the list is Roma's Moroccan international Neil El Aynawi. The 25-year-old midfielder played a key role for the Atlas Lions in the FIFA World Cup. At club level, however, opportunities for Roma have been limited beyond a starring role in Serie A.
According to a TEAMtalk article, Liverpool have sent an inquiry for Aynawi. The report also says that Barcelona and Real Madrid showed interest in the same player earlier this year. On the other hand, it is reported that the mediators have held preliminary talks with Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Sunderland clubs about the availability. The player's representatives are said to believe that a change is possible this summer if the right proposal comes through.
But Aynawi's situation is complicated. The 1.85m tall, right-handed central midfielder was signed by Roma from Lens in July 2025 for around €23 million (up to another €2 million in bonuses). Can play mainly as an aggressive number 8, but also as a ball-winning 6 if required. His specialty is high energy, box-to-box runs, pressing, tackling, as well as driving the game with forward carries and vertical passes. He also contributed to the scoreboard with 8 goals, 1 assist for Lens in the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season.
The report states that his impressive performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco first caught the attention of Europe's top clubs. Aynawi has a five-year contract with Roma until 2030. There is therefore speculation that an immediate transfer will not be easy, with Roma more likely to consider offers from champions-level clubs only after he has emerged as a key player.
What does this mean for Liverpool? With Mac Allister's future and Jones' deal in the background, Aynawi looks the part to add depth and dynamism to the midfield in Iriola's first season. But with a long-term deal on Roma's hands and recent investment, interested clubs, including the Reds, will have to come up with a solid offer.