AS Roma have completed the signing of Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui from RC Lens for €25m, including bonuses.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 24-year-old arrived in Rome on Saturday to finalize the move and will sign a five-year contract. It is Roma’s first major signing of the summer window.
El Aynaoui joined Lens from Nancy in 2023 for €600,000. The French club now make a significant profit, while Nancy will receive €2.3m due to a 10% sell-on clause.
He scored eight goals in 25 Ligue 1 appearances last season. Roma moved quickly after the player agreed personal terms a week ago. Lens lowered their asking price during final negotiations.
El Aynaoui, who holds dual French-Moroccan nationality, is the son of former professional tennis player Younes El Aynaoui. He will be available for selection immediately after completing his medical.
Roma is also preparing to welcome another new face in this summer transfer window.
Following the arrival of Neil El Aynaoui, it’s Brighton striker Evan Ferguson’s turn to begin his new adventure with the Giallorossi.
The 2004-born player will land at Ciampino Airport today. Roma and Brighton have finalised an agreement on a loan with an option to buy for €40 million.
He’ll be Roma’s first Irish player in history – handpicked to round off Gasperini’s new-look attacking front.
