Barcelona are reportedly keeping a close eye on Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui following his impressive performances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a key role in Morocco’s run to the final.
The Catalan giants, seeking reinforcements amid financial constraints, are exploring options in Africa, where emerging talents often come at lower market values compared with established European stars.
El Aynaoui, 24, has quickly established himself as a central figure at AS Roma since his €23 million move last summer. The midfielder has impressed with his combination of physical strength, tactical awareness, and ability to influence both defensive and offensive phases of play.
His performances have drawn comparisons to England international Declan Rice, highlighting his capacity to control the tempo of matches and provide stability in midfield.
Roma see El Aynaoui as a cornerstone for their medium-term project, citing his young age, leadership qualities on the field, and rapid adaptation to the team’s playing style.
Internationally, his profile has risen sharply thanks to his consistent and composed displays with the Moroccan national team. Across Morocco’s six matches in AFCON 2025, El Aynaoui was a starter in every game, accumulating 570 minutes on the pitch and emerging as one of the Atlas Lions’ most reliable performers in high-pressure situations.
This season, El Aynaoui has appeared in 18 matches for Roma across all competitions, contributing one goal and one assist.
His balanced combination of defensive discipline, tactical intelligence, and ability to drive play forward has not gone unnoticed by European scouts, with Barcelona among the clubs evaluating his potential fit within their squad.
While interest from Barcelona signals recognition of his growing reputation, any potential move could be complicated by the player’s increased market value and competition from other top clubs, particularly in the Premier League, which are reportedly ready to offer more lucrative terms.
Barcelona will need to navigate these financial and competitive challenges carefully, seeking a deal that aligns with their budget and long-term sporting strategy while strengthening their midfield options.
