Omar El Hilali, born to Moroccan parents, has become one of La Liga’s most talked-about talents. As rumors grow about a potential move to Barcelona, El Hilali remains unfazed.
“My friends told me about the news,” El Hilali said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo. “But I haven’t heard anything from the club.”
El Hilali can play as a specialist right back, but he can also slot in as a central defender due to his pace, physicality, and his high rate of successful take-ons. Speculations suggest Barcelona is ready to trigger his €15 million release clause — a huge sum for the Espanyol academy graduate.
“It sounds like a lot,” he says. “I never imagined a club would pay that much for me. But if they do, maybe it’s because they really want me.”
Despite the allure of playing for Barcelona, the 21-year-old has a heart that beats only for Espanyol. “I’d like to stay here for my whole career,” he says. “But football changes fast. You never know what can happen.”
On the international front, he dreams of wearing Morocco’s red and green colors. “I’d be one of the happiest players in the world if I got a call-up,” he says. “Even if I have to play as a central defender, I’d give my all.”
Various reports suggest that Walid Regragui might consider adding El Hilali to the national team backline for the next World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania on March 21 and 25.
Espanyol fans already see him as a future leader, picturing him in the iconic number 21 jersey — a nod to club legend Dani Jarque — or even as captain. “I’d love it,” he says. “That number means so much to the club. And being captain? That’s every academy player’s dream.”
But El Hilali stays humble, knowing football’s highs can be fleeting. “One day, you’re the star. Next, people forget you,” he says. “I just focus on playing. My agents handle everything else.”
The Moroccan player has battled La Liga’s fiercest attackers, from Vinicius Jr. to Nico Williams. “Rodrygo and Nico were the hardest to play against,” he says. “Their level is incredible. But I just try to win every duel.”
For now, El Hilali’s eyes are locked on helping Espanyol climb the table — even with Barcelona watching in the background. “We’re hungry to win every match,” he says. “That’s all that matters right now.”
