Lens’ Neil El Aynaoui set for knee ligament surgery after failing Monaco medical | OneFootball

Lens defensive midfielder Neil El Aynaoui (23) is expected to undergo knee ligament surgery after failing his Monaco medical pending his €17m move for Les Monégasques, according to a report from Foot Mercato. El Aynaoui’s transfer to the Principality club collapsed when it transpired that the Morocco U23 international’s knee ligament did not heal properly following a sprain.

The outlet understands that the extent of El Aynaoui’s knee injury requires surgery. The Lens defensive midfielder is set for an extended 8-month spell on the sidelines. Monaco were pushing to sign the former Nancy midfielder as a replacement for Manchester United and Milan target Youssouf Fofana (25).

For El Aynaoui as well as for Will Still’s Lens, it is a hammer blow considering the funds expected from the sale of the Morocco U23 international were needed to bolster the Artois side’s squad.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval