Liverpool open talks in deal for underappreciated World Cup midfield dynamo | OneFootball

Liverpool could be set to shake up their midfield options this summer.

Alexis Mac Allister has reportedly been a target for Real Madrid in recent months while Curtis Jones has slipped into the last 12 months of his deal.

If Andoni Iraola loses one - or both - of those midfielders then we can expect to see the outgoing Premier League champions delve into the transfer market for a new option.

Among the names mentioned as a potential incoming deal is Neil El Aynaoui.

Liverpool dazzled by Neil El Aynaoui

The 25-year-old Morocco international has enjoyed a stellar FIFA World Cup as a key player for the Atlas Lions. That is in stark contrast to his club situation - where he has been a bit-part player at best for Roma in Serie A.

And Liverpool are now among the teams competing for the ex-Lens man’s signature per a report in TEAMtalk - alongside other Premier League heavyweights and Real Madrid and Barcelona who registered their interest earlier this year.

The Reds have sent an enquiry over the France-born midfielder - who could augment Andoni Iraola’s options in his first season in charge.

Liverpool in talks for El Aynaoui deal

“His outstanding performances during the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil first brought him onto the radar of Europe’s elite, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid making enquiries earlier this year,” the report reads.

“Intermediaries have spoken with Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Sunderland about the midfielder’s availability.

“The belief among those representing the player is that there could be a genuine opportunity for El Aynaoui to move this summer should Roma receive the right proposal.”

Neil El Aynaoui: Situation summary

Neil El Aynaoui is a 25‑year‑old right‑footed Morocco international midfielder at Roma, signed from Lens in July 2025 for a package worth about €23m plus up to €2m in bonuses.

At 1.85m, he offers size and mobility as a central midfielder, most often used as an aggressive No 8 who can also sit a little deeper as a ball‑winning six.

On the pitch, El Aynaoui is a high‑energy, box‑to‑box presence who presses, tackles and covers ground, then drives play forward with carries and vertical passing rather than pure playmaking.

He arrived in Serie A off an eight‑goal, one‑assist Ligue 1 season for Lens in 2024/25, underlining his capacity to time runs into the box and contribute on the scoreboard while still doing the dirty work.

He signed a five‑year deal to 2030, giving Roma long‑term control and making him a medium‑term pillar of their midfield rebuild.

Any near‑term transfer feels unlikely; the more plausible arc is Roma developing him into a starter and, if he kicks on as expected, listening to Champions League‑level offers later in the deal at a clear premium on the initial €25m outlay.