---
title: "Everton launch enquiry to battle fellow Friedkin Group club for “versatile” Ligue 1 midfielder"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-launch-enquiry-rc-lens-neil-el-aynaoui/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Barnaby Lane"
section: "Everton"
published: "2025-07-14T15:11:04Z"
modified: "2025-07-14T15:11:07Z"
---

# Everton launch enquiry to battle fellow Friedkin Group club for “versatile” Ligue 1 midfielder

[Everton’s](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-fc-transfer-rumours/) 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**

![RC Lens' Neil El Aynaoui shakes hands with Juma Bah. (REUTERS/Manon Cruz)](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-03-08T205618Z_1072741202_UP1EL381M5T0O_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-FRANCE-OM-RCL-REPORT-1024x694.jpg)

RC Lens’ Neil El Aynaoui shakes hands with Juma Bah. (REUTERS/Manon Cruz)

[According to a report from TEAMtalk](https://www.teamtalk.com/everton/transfer-news-enquiry-ligue-1-midfielder-despite-roma-agreement), 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”](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/wolves/wolves-set-sights-technical-moroccan-midfielder-neil-el-aynaoui/) 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.