Story byBarcelona identify 24-year-old Roma midfielder as long-term solution for evolving midfield – reportBarca UniversalFri, January 16, 2026 at 8:21 AM UTC·2 min readAccording to a report from Fichajes, Barcelona are closely following the progress of Neil El Aynaoui, a midfielder who is currently enjoying an impressive spell with AS Roma. El Aynaoui, 24, is viewed as a player capable of contributing immediately while still offering long-term value. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat dual profile is precisely what makes him appealing to Barcelona, a club that continues to search for balance between short-term competitiveness and sustainable squad building. Notably, Roma signed the Moroccan midfielder last summer for around €23 million. At the time, the move did not attract huge headlines, but it was widely considered a smart investment. Since then, El Aynaoui has more than justified that belief with his performances on the pitch. Who is Neil El Aynaoui?The midfielder has established himself as a reliable and influential presence. He stands out for his physical power, his ability to cover large areas of the pitch, and his strong tactical awareness. Barcelona are tracking Neil El Aynaoui. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThese qualities allow him to contribute defensively while also playing a key role in progressing the ball and supporting attacking phases. His all-round profile has even led to comparisons in Italy with Declan Rice, one of the most complete midfielders in modern football. At Roma, there is clear satisfaction with his development, but there is also realism because performances of this level naturally attract attention. Barcelona are interestedOne of the clubs keeping an eye on him is Barcelona.
