Roma Signs Neil El Aynaoui From Lens

After negotiations broke down with Palmeiras for Richard Rios, Frederic Massara quickly pivoted to finalize negotiations with RC Lens for Neil El Aynaoui. And with El Aynaoui officially signing a five-year contract earlier today, he becomes the first official signing of the Ricky Massara/Gian Piero Gasperini era.

The 24-year-old French-born Moroccan international arrives from Ligue 1 side RC Lens for a €22 million fixed fee plus €3 million in bonuses. El Aynaoui was announced earlier on Sunday and will wear the number 8 shirt.

El Aynaoui came through the Nancy youth system before transferring to Lens ahead of the 2023-24 season. He has played just over 1,500 league minutes each of the last two seasons, making 17 league starts in both seasons. This past season, El Aynaoui had an explosive offensive season, scoring eight league goals for an average of .45 goals every 90 minutes. He also ranked in the 97th percentile for non-PK goals per 90 (.28) for midfielders across Europe’s top 5 leagues.

It’s that scoring ability that Roma lacked in the midfield last season, and it makes him an attractive option for Gasperini’s football. On the other side of the ball, El Aynaoui can put a foot in as well. He ranked in the 94th and 95th percentiles for interceptions and blocks, respectively. Now, it’s time for Gasperini to get to work integrating him into Roma’s midfield with Manu Koné and Co.