Neil El Aynaoui emerges as late Bayer Leverkusen option before transfer deadline

Bayer Leverkusen are considering a late move for Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, with the Europa League club reportedly viewing him as a potential midfield partner for Algeria prospect Ibrahim Maza.

The German club are understood to have opened the door to one more signing with fewer than five days remaining before the summer transfer window closes on 1 September.

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Bayer Leverkusen have made contact over El Aynaoui, who is under contract with AS Roma until 2030. The 25-year-old Morocco international has won 22 caps and scored two goals for his country.

A move to the BayArena could see El Aynaoui paired with Maza, one of the most highly regarded young players in Algerian football. The 20-year-old has made 21 international appearances and scored twice, while his form over recent months has strengthened his reputation as a player capable of becoming an important figure for the German club.

Maza began the new season in impressive fashion. He provided an assist in Bayer Leverkusen’s emphatic 4-0 victory away to Wehen Wiesbaden in the DFB-Pokal on 22 August, producing an early contribution in his first competitive appearance of the campaign.

Bayer Leverkusen are not the only club reported to be interested in El Aynaoui. Crystal Palace have also accelerated their pursuit of the midfielder, who is said to be attracted by the possibility of playing in the Premier League.

El Aynaoui only joined AS Roma from RC Lens last summer in a deal worth €23.5m. A move to England after just one season in Italy would therefore represent another significant step in his career.

AS Roma are reportedly looking to raise funds and could be willing to consider offers for the player. His current market value is estimated at €30m by Transfermarkt.

El Aynaoui made his return to Serie A for AS Roma on Monday. He started the match on the bench before coming on during the final 15 minutes.

The midfielder ended last season with 34 appearances for the Italian club, including 16 starts. He scored two goals and delivered two assists during that campaign.

His situation is now being closely monitored as the transfer deadline approaches, with Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace both weighing up whether to make a formal move. At Leverkusen, the prospect of combining his experience in midfield with Maza’s emerging talent is understood to be one of the factors behind the club’s interest.