The Neil El Aynaoui file could actively animate the Lens RC mercato. Although the Lens management envisages an extension of the contract, a departure is not totally excluded, despite recent statements by Pierre Sage suggesting the opposite. The 24-year-old Franco-Moroccain midfielder scored the Ligue 1 last season with 8 goals in 24 games, attracting the attention of several major European clubs. The AS Rome would even have found a verbal agreement with the player for a five-year contract, although this offer could be a strategy of pressure from the Italian club to influence the negotiations concerning Richard Rios with Palmeiras.

The interest for Neil El Aynaoui is not limited to Italy, several Premier League clubs are also attentive to his situation. English media reports that Everton has inquired about Moroccan international affairs. This represents a significant challenge for the new sports director, Jean-Louis Leca, who will have to manage the demands of these clubs. El Aynaoui was under contract until 2027 and would only be sold for more than 30 million euros. Lens leaders have already rejected a €20 million offer from Roma, demonstrating their determination to keep the player.

At the sporting level, Neil El Aynaoui is a key element of the Lens project developed under the direction of Pierre Sage. After several large sales in recent seasons, RC Lens has no urgency to sell, except in case of a particularly attractive offer. However, the financial power of English clubs could change the deal and potentially convince RC Lens to give up its player. The outcome of this case remains uncertain and deserves close attention.