Lens’ Neil El Aynaoui to undergo Roma medical in €25m move | OneFootball

Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui (24) will undergo a medical with AS Roma this Sunday to confirm his €25m move to the Giallorossi, according to a report from L’Equipe. The former Morocco U23 international is set to pen a five-year deal with the Serie A side. “When both clubs are content and the player has an opportunity, everything is fine,” said Lens head coach Pierre Sage to the outlet. “I have every confidence in the players who replaced him today. We will go forward with them.”

El Aynaoui is a product of Nancy Academy. He made 61 appearances for the club – who were playing in the French third tier when El Aynaoui made the permanent switch to Lens in July 2023.

He quickly settled into life at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. In his first season, he made 31 appearances for the club, including three UEFA Champions League starts. Building on a strong debut season with Les Sang et Or, the 2024–25 campaign proved to be El Aynaoui’s most fruitful to date. In 24 Ligue 1 appearances, he scored eight goals — all from midfield.

L’Equipe adds that a very emotional El Aynaoui bids his farewell to his Lens teammates this Saturday. The 24-year-old will board a plane heading to the Italian capital tonight to undergo his medical tomorrow.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval