Manchester United and Liverpool Are Both Chasing Roma’s World Cup Standout

Roma’s midfield might be the most watched position in Europe right now. And it’s not just because of Manu Koné, who got all the attention after his run with France at the World Cup. The guy standing next to him in the Roma midfield is also drawing serious interest from some huge clubs.

Neil El Aynaoui, the 25-year-old Morocco international, quietly put together a solid World Cup campaign. Now reports say Manchester United, Liverpool and Fenerbahce have all reached out to Roma to check on his availability.

Transfer insider Eleonora Trotta reported that contacts have been made over the last few days. English and Turkish clubs, she said, are poking around. Based on previous interest, the names circling back are United, Liverpool and Fenerbahce.

That makes sense. El Aynaoui is a different type of midfielder than Koné. He’s more of a connector, a guy who keeps possession moving and doesn’t panic under pressure. He showed that for Morocco in the group stage and knockout rounds.

He only got to Roma last summer. The Giallorossi paid Lens €23.5 million plus add-ons and threw in a future sale percentage. Which was smart, because now they might be looking at a solid profit if someone meets the asking price. That number is reportedly around €35-40 million.

El Aynaoui was born and raised in France but chose Morocco at the international level. He’s got 22 senior caps and is firmly in the mix for the next World Cup cycle. At 25, he’s entering his prime years.

For Liverpool, he could be a rotation option behind Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. For Manchester United, he’d be a more reliable defensive presence than what they’ve got now. And Fenerbahce? They’d be getting a guy who can play in a midfield three or as a double pivot.

Roma isn’t desperate to sell. But if a club comes in with €40 million, it’s hard to say no to a player who cost €23.5 million a year ago. Especially when you already have depth in that spot.

No deal is close yet. Right now it’s just calls and check-ins. But the list of clubs is real, and the price tag is set.