Spanish media outlets have reported Barcelona’s interest in signing one of the Moroccan national team’s standout players at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, although the deal currently seems unlikely.
The player in question is Nael El Aynaoui, who plays for Roma and is a key player in coach Walid Regragui’s midfield.
Barcelona has been monitoring El Aynaoui’s development since his time at Lens and has observed his acquisition of new skills. He has become the ideal option for Joan Laporta’s administration to strengthen the midfield in the coming period, given his technical abilities and young age.
The club believes that signing the Moroccan star would be a “strategic acquisition” for Barcelona. He is a player they can build on for years to come and would practically be Frenkie de Jong’s successor at Camp Nou.
However, Barcelona officials believe that completing the deal next summer is practically impossible due to Roma’s high asking price for the 24-year-old.
El Aynaoui joined Roma last summer for €23 million, and his value will undoubtedly double by the summer of 2026, allowing the Giallorossi to make a profit on his sale. Barcelona currently cannot afford to pay €50 million or more for him due to the difficult economic situation.
It’s worth noting that El Aynaoui is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, with Manchester United and Chelsea recently linked to him. This further complicates Barcelona’s chances of acquiring the young player.
