Liverpool and Man Utd weigh summer moves for Morocco and Roma midfielder Ainaoui

Liverpool and Manchester United are assessing potential summer bids for Roma and Morocco midfielder Nail Aynaoui after his standout performances at the 2026 World Cup, according to a report in Italy.

The Serie A player has attracted interest from both Premier League clubs, as well as Turkish side Fenerbahce, with all three said to have made initial enquiries over a transfer in the current window.

Italian outlet Football Italia reports that Aynaoui, 25, has emerged as a serious option for the clubs in recent days, having initially been overshadowed by his Roma team-mate Manu Kone, whose displays for France had drawn the bulk of early attention.

Premier League clubs make contact

Manchester United, Liverpool and Fenerbahce have all held talks to understand Roma’s stance and the conditions required to sign Aynaoui, the report claims.

Aynaoui was born and raised in France but opted to represent Morocco at international level. He has already won 22 caps for the Atlas Lions and was a key figure in their run to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

Morocco’s campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico ended with a 2-0 defeat by France in the last eight, but Aynaoui’s performances in midfield are understood to have strengthened his reputation among recruiters across Europe.

Roma’s valuation

Roma signed Aynaoui from Lens last summer in a deal worth €23.5m, plus performance-related add-ons and a sell-on percentage for the French club.

Those close to the situation believe Roma would now demand a significant profit before agreeing to any sale. Estimates cited in the report suggest the Italian side are unlikely to entertain offers below €35m to €40m.

That valuation, together with the player’s age and international exposure, places Aynaoui in the bracket of midfielders likely to command strong interest from clubs seeking to refresh their options in the centre of the pitch.

Rising international profile

Since making his debut for Morocco, Aynaoui has become an established member of the national set-up, with his World Cup contribution reinforcing his standing.

His role in helping Morocco reach the quarter-finals of the tournament, before their elimination by France, is viewed as a pivotal factor in the recent surge of interest from the Premier League and beyond.

The Italian report does not specify whether any of the interested clubs have yet submitted a formal bid, nor does it indicate Aynaoui’s own preference regarding a possible move away from the Stadio Olimpico.

However, with the transfer window ongoing and Roma holding a firm valuation, talks are expected to focus on whether any club is prepared to meet the figures required to prise the Moroccan international away from Serie A.