Liverpool target Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui to fill midfield void

Liverpool are seeking to bolster a midfield lacking depth after recent departures, and 25‑year‑old Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui has emerged as a prime target. His 2025/26 Serie A form and a World Cup display featuring 135 passes at 97 % accuracy have drawn Premier League interest.

Intermediaries have begun sounding out several Premier League clubs about El Aynaoui’s availability, with Liverpool among those informed. His representatives say there is a genuine opportunity for a summer move if Roma receive an acceptable offer.

Against the Netherlands at the World Cup, El Aynaoui completed 135 passes at 97 % accuracy, won six duels, made four tackles and delivered seven accurate long balls. By contrast, Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch managed only 18 passes at 75 % accuracy before being substituted after 86 minutes.

In Serie A, El Aynaoui ranked in the 94th percentile for possession won in the final third, the 91st for interceptions and the 88th for assists among his positional peers. His overall passing record shows an 89.2 % completion rate, 66.7 % accuracy on long balls and more than 47 successful passes per 90 minutes.

Football Transfers values the midfielder at around €22.3 million, yet Roma are expected to seek a considerably higher fee given his prime age and rising profile. The club has struggled to guarantee him regular playing time, prompting suggestions that a move could benefit all parties.

Several clubs have already made contact, believing they can offer a more prominent role than currently available in the Italian capital. Liverpool’s recruitment policy favours targeted investment and technical versatility, especially in midfield, over speculative spending.

Any potential deal will depend on Roma’s willingness to negotiate and on how the remainder of the transfer window unfolds. For now, El Aynaoui continues to enhance his reputation on both domestic and international stages.