Barcelona's Bold Moroccan Bet: A Midfield Target Poised to Shake La Liga
16 January 2026
Barcelona Eyes Moroccan Midfielder Nail Al-Ainawi
The Moroccan midfielder Nail Al-Ainawi has drawn strong interest from Barcelona after impressive displays for Roma and his national team, according to a Spanish report.
Al-Ainawi played a key role in Morocco's push to the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final, set for Sunday against Senegal.
Spanish outlet Fichajes, known for transfers, said Barcelona is watching his progress closely, viewing him as a fit to bolster midfield with both present impact and future potential, a so-called strategic deal.
Yet finalizing a move will be difficult given his rising market value, more than the amount Roma paid months earlier, and increasing interest from English clubs.
The 24-year-old joined Roma from Lens last summer for about €23 million.
Humor aside, if Barcelona lands him, expect the locker room to start speaking Moroccan slang. If not, there are olives in the transfer jar—and yes, we'll pretend that's a serious tactic.
