Aston Villa and Manchester City are reportedly looking to sign 21-year-old Moroccan youth international Omar El Hilali from La Liga club Espanyol.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Omar El Hilali is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Premier League champions are scouring the market for a right-back amid the advancing years of Kyle Walker. However, they will face stiff competition from fellow Premier League club Aston Villa. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old RCD Espanyol full-back has recently rejected a move to Barcelona.
Who is Omar El Hilali?
Omar El Hilali has established himself as one of the best young full-backs in La Liga since RCD Espanyol returned to the top flight. A native of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, he spent his formative years in Catalonia and graduated from the youth division at RCD Espanyol a few years ago.
The 21-year-old has picked Morocco as his national side, although he has yet to make his bow for the African nation, with Achraf Hakimi ahead of him in the pecking order. El Hilali has turned out 63 times thus far for Espanyol while chipping in with four assists. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, alerting well-known clubs like Barcelona, Aston Villa, and Manchester City.
A man in demand
Barcelona attempted to sign the Moroccan youth international earlier in his career before he turned down the club’s overtures. While the Catalan giants remain keen on signing a right-back next year, they have turned their attention towards other targets, including Vanderson.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s interest in Omar El Hilali is understandable. The Villans are scouring the market for a right-back as they look for a top-notch alternative to Matty Cash. So, several options, including Bright Osayi-Samuel, have emerged on Aston Villa’s radar, with El Hilali also a viable target for the West Midlands outfit.
As for Manchester City, Kyle Walker might not have a long-term future at the Etihad, with recent reports linking him with Saudi Pro League clubs. So, the Premier League champions want a long-term replacement, with the 21-year-old Espanyol full-back emerging as a viable target.
Hugo Viana wants to sign a right-back next year, and it will not be surprising to see Manchester City launch the offensive to sign the Moroccan youth international from La Liga club Espanyol. However, El Hilali has previously rejected Barcelona as he wanted regular game time, and Aston Villa should be in contention to land him.
