Man Utd linked with Espanyol right-back Omar El Hilali

Omar El Hilali, the Moroccan-Spanish right-back at Espanyol, has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old has established himself as a regular for Espanyol in LaLiga this season, making 11 appearances from 12 possible matches and providing one assist. He has started 92% of the club’s league games and played 90% of the available minutes, although he has also been sent off once.

El Hilali joined Espanyol’s senior side from Espanyol B in January 2023 after progressing through the club’s youth system. He has remained with the Barcelona-based club since then and is under contract until 30 June 2027.

The defender was part of Morocco’s Under-23 side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023. Born in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, he is eligible to represent both Morocco and Spain and plays primarily as a right-back with his right foot.

Espanyol’s valuation of El Hilali is listed at €15m, while the reported interest from Manchester United concerns a possible move from LaLiga to the Premier League. No transfer has been confirmed, and the player remains an Espanyol squad member with more than six months left on his current contract.