Neil El Aynaoui. (REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol)
Everton’s 2024/25 campaign was a tale of two halves.
After a disastrous start under Sean Dyche, the Toffees were plunged into a relegation scrap and looked void of ideas. But the mid-season return of David Moyes brought a much-needed resurgence.
Under Moyes, Everton lost just four league matches, climbing steadily up the table to finish a respectable 13th. While the final position may not set pulses racing, it was a solid end to a rollercoaster campaign — and a clear sign that Everton can once again become a top-half, or even top-six, Premier League club.
Their summer transfer window has started brightly.
Carlos Alcaraz has joined on a permanent deal, and highly rated striker Thierno Barry has arrived from Villarreal — a player widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards.
Now, another major addition could be on the horizon.
Everton Launch Enquiry for Neil El Aynaoui
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Everton have launched an enquiry for RC Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, teeing up a potential transfer battle with Serie A giants Roma — who, like Everton, are owned by the Friedkin Group.
Despite their shared ownership, the two clubs operate with separate recruitment departments — and both are in the market for midfield reinforcements.
Roma were believed to be closing in on a deal for El Aynaoui, with reports suggesting the Moroccan had already agreed terms. However, Everton are said to have made a late approach in an attempt to hijack the move.
The 22-year-old joined Lens from Nancy in 2023 and quickly became a vital part of the team. He made 56 appearances last season, scoring nine goals and providing six assists — eight of those goals coming in 2024 alone.
Described as “versatile” and a player who “stands out for his technical skills, game vision, and ability to drive play forward,” El Aynaoui is under contract until 2027. Lens are expected to demand at least £25.9 million for his services.
In today’s inflated transfer market, that fee seems reasonable for a player of El Aynaoui’s calibre and potential.
Whether Everton can tempt him away from an already advanced Roma deal remains to be seen — but it’s another signal of ambition from Moyes and the Toffees as they look to build something serious for the coming season.
About the Author
