Manchester United and Liverpool both hold talks for £20m-rated midfield target

Manchester United and Liverpool have reportedly initiated contact to sign AS Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, according to TEAMtalk. The 25-year-old Moroccan international is valued at around £20 million after catching the eye during his time at RC Lens and subsequently earning a transfer to the Italian capital.

Background: From Lens to Roma, now a Premier League target

El Aynaoui established himself as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder at RC Lens, where his energetic performances in Ligue 1 earned him a move to AS Roma in the summer of 2023. Despite a solid start in Serie A, the Moroccan has struggled for consistent game time under multiple managers at the Stadio Olimpico.

His versatility allows him to operate as a central midfielder, a defensive midfielder, or even in a more advanced role. This adaptability has made him an attractive proposition for both Manchester United and Liverpool, who are each seeking to bolster their midfield options ahead of the next campaign.

According to reports, both Premier League giants have made enquiries through intermediaries, though no formal bids have been submitted. Roma are believed to be open to selling if their £20 million valuation is met, given the player's limited role in their current plans.

Tactical analysis and fit at Old Trafford or Anfield

For Manchester United, El Aynaoui would add energy and press resistance to a midfield that often lacks mobility. Under Erik ten Hag, United's midfield has been criticised for being too static, particularly in transitions. The Moroccan's ability to carry the ball forward and break lines could complement the more defensive-minded Casemiro or Kobbie Mainoo.

At Liverpool, where Jurgen Klopp has traditionally valued high-energy midfielders who can press and cover ground, El Aynaoui fits the profile. With Thiago Alcantara's injury problems and the potential departure of some midfielders, the Reds could use another engine in the centre of the park.

His statistics from last season show he averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per 90 minutes in Serie A, along with a pass completion rate of 84%. While not a prolific creator (0.3 key passes per 90), his work rate and ball recovery are standout traits.

Fantasy Premier League and transfer market implications

  • FPL Impact: If El Aynaoui moves to a top-six club, he would likely be priced at £5.0m-£5.5m, making him a budget enabler in midfield. However, his attacking returns are limited, so he would be more of a rotation option for FPL managers.
  • Transfer fee context: £20m is modest by modern Premier League standards. For comparison, similar box-to-box midfielders like Youri Tielemans moved for around £35m in 2019, while more defensive options such as Kalvin Phillips were valued at £45m. Roma's asking price reflects El Aynaoui's lack of top-flight consistency.
  • Contract length: The Moroccan has three years remaining on his current Roma deal, which strengthens the Italian club's bargaining position slightly, but his limited role weakens their leverage.

What's next for the interested clubs?

Both Manchester United and Liverpool are expected to continue monitoring El Aynaoui's situation throughout the summer transfer window. Roma may be willing to negotiate if a bidding war develops, but neither club is likely to rush into a deal, given the player's unproven status in the Premier League.

For El Aynaoui himself, a move to England would represent a major step up in competition and visibility. He will hope to emulate other Morocco internationals who have succeeded in the Premier League, such as Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate and Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech. The coming weeks will reveal whether either club turns their enquiry into a firm offer.

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