Morocco exceeded all expectations at the last World Cup. So, their success this time around has not come as a surprise to anybody. Naturally, there will be a lot of eyes on their players. And one of them seems to be on the radar of Newcastle United.
The Magpies are expected to be looking to strengthen their midfield this summer. Sandro Tonali, one of the best in the world in his position, has left to join Tottenham Hotspur in a deal that could rise to £100 million if add-ons are met.
Obviously, replacing him will not be easy. Newcastle United are already believed to be closing in on a deal for Johan Manzambi of SC Freiburg, who has enjoyed a terrific World Cup campaign this time around with three goals and two assists from just two starts at the tournament.
Manzambi is not the only outstanding rising midfielder at the World Cup who is being linked with Newcastle United though. Could a Moroccan standout end up at St James’ Park this summer?
Newcastle United interested in Moroccan midfielder?
The player I am talking about here is Neil El Ayanoui. The 25-year-old AS Roma midfielder has earned a lot of plaudits for his performances at the World Cup for Morocco.
Of course, they have enhanced his reputation. And a move away from AS Roma in the summer would not really come as a surprise.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, a number of Premier League clubs are closely monitoring the Moroccan international. Intermediaries have spoken with Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Sunderland about Ayanoui’s availability.
So, it looks like there is no shortage of clubs that are aware of Ayanoui’s situation. It remains to be seen if any of them end up making a serious move for him.
Ayanoui would be a ‘ready-made’ signing
Manzambi would be a very exciting signing. But he is 20 years of age. He might not be ready to come in and immediately make an impact at the Premier League level.
Ayanoui, for his part, does have a bit more experience under his belt. He is 25 years of age and has played for clubs like AS Roma and Lens. He has also represented Morocco on 20 occasions already.
So, if Newcastle United are looking for a midfielder who is ‘ready-made’, someone like Ayanoui would fit the description and would be a good signing, no matter which way you look at it.
Of course, any move would depend on the transfer fee that AS Roma would want. And that might be going up each day, as Ayanoui impresses at the World Cup.
