Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui considers Roma exit after difficult season

Neil El Aynaoui could leave AS Roma this summer after a challenging first season marked by limited playing time and growing frustration.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who joined Roma from RC Lens in July 2025 for a reported €25 million fee, has struggled to establish himself in Serie A.

Once regarded as a key addition to the squad, his role has diminished significantly over the course of the campaign.

After nine months in the Italian capital, El Aynaoui has been largely confined to the fringes of the team. With only 340 minutes played in the league—equivalent to fewer than four full matches—his involvement has fallen well below expectations for a player of his profile.

The Moroccan international, who had impressed during his time in France, has often found himself on the bench, occasionally warming up without being introduced or featuring only briefly late in matches.

This lack of consistent opportunities has raised concerns about his development and match sharpness.

Sources close to the player indicate that the situation has reached a critical point. “Neil came to Rome to play, to improve, not to watch matches from the stands,” confides a source close to the matter.

The midfielder is understood to have held discussions with the club’s sporting management, making clear his desire for a more prominent role moving forward.

Beyond footballing considerations, the player has also had to deal with personal difficulties, including the aftermath of a violent burglary at his home.

However, it is his limited involvement on the pitch that appears to be the primary factor behind his current dissatisfaction.

The uncertainty surrounding his club future also has implications at international level. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, El Aynaoui is aware that regular playing time will be essential if he is to secure a place in the Morocco squad.

As the summer transfer window draws nearer, his situation is expected to attract attention, with the possibility of a departure becoming increasingly realistic unless his circumstances at Roma change.