Liverpool's €23m chase: El Aynaoui could reshape midfield

Liverpool have opened negotiations to acquire Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, whose transfer to Roma in July 2025 cost the Italian club about €23 million plus up to €2 million in bonuses. The 25‑year‑old, a five‑year contract until 2030, is being eyed as a potential solution to Liverpool’s midfield turnover.

Alexis Mac Allister has been linked with Real Madrid, while Curtis Jones is entering the final year of his contract, leaving Liverpool’s manager Andoni Iraola facing the prospect of losing one or both midfielders. The outgoing Premier League champions are therefore expected to explore the market for a new midfield option.

El Aynaoui impressed on the FIFA World Cup stage, emerging as a key figure for the Atlas Lions, and his performances at the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil further raised his profile. At Roma, he has been a bit‑part player in Serie A, despite signing from Lens after an eight‑goal, one‑assist Ligue 1 campaign in 2024/25.

Intermediaries report that clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Sunderland have all been approached about his availability. Liverpool have already sent an enquiry for the France‑born midfielder, joining a list of Premier League heavyweights monitoring the 1.85 m, right‑footed player.

The belief among his representatives is that a genuine move could materialise this summer if Roma receive a suitable proposal. While a near‑term transfer appears unlikely, Roma expect to develop him into a starter and may entertain Champions League‑level offers at a premium on the initial €25 million outlay.

El Aynaoui typically operates as an aggressive No 8, capable of dropping into a ball‑winning six role, combining high‑energy pressing with vertical passing. His size and mobility, coupled with a reputation for covering ground and driving play forward, make him an attractive prospect for clubs seeking a box‑to‑box midfielder.