Barcelona Are Eyeing A Move For This Serie A Midfielder: Decent Choice For Flick? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fichajes mentioned that Barcelona are eyeing a move for AS Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui. It has been stated that the Catalan giants have set their sights on the Moroccan talent as they look to bolster their squad this year.

El Aynaoui’s Good Form In Serie A

El Aynaoui has enjoyed an impressive campaign at the Italian club thus far as he has put in a run of eye-catching displays for them at the centre of the park. The 24-year-old has found the back of the net once and earned one assist in 18 matches for Roma this season in various competitions.

The Moroccan sensation has anchored the midfield relatively well and deserves credit for making seven tackles, three blocks, six interceptions and five clearances in Serie A. He has also been an accurate distributor of the ball after completing 87.3% of his attempted passes in the Italian first division (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at Roma will expire in the summer of 2030. Hence, it won’t be easy for Barcelona to snap him up on a cut-price deal this January or at the end of this campaign.

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: Neil El Aynaoui of AS Roma celebrates with his teammate after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between AS Roma and FC Midtjylland at Stadio Olimpico on November 27, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Will Aynaoui Be A Decent Choice For Barcelona Boss Hansi Flick?

Aynaoui is a decent tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to make the odd interception for his team inside his half. He usually clears his lines when the opposition are on the offensive and is a tidy passer of the ball as well.

The Moroccan talent can even chip in by scoring and creating some important goals for his team. Aynaoui is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also fill in as a defensive midfielder if asked to do so. However, there are some concerns over whether he can make a smooth transition to life in La Liga.

Aynaoui would bring more quality and depth to Barcelona boss Hansi Flick’s midfield. He has what it takes to challenge for regular first-team football at the Nou Camp.

At 24, Aynaoui has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a good choice for the Catalan club to pursue this year. However, Flick has to give him some time to settle into life in Spain.