Manchester City Ready to Rival Premier League Clubs for Espanyol Star Omar El Hilali
Manchester City are reportedly positioning themselves to compete with Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion for Espanyol’s rising defensive talent, Omar El Hilali.
The 21-year-old full-back has impressed with his performances in La Liga this season, and with Kyle Walker approaching his 35th birthday, City appear to be eyeing a long-term successor for their right-back position.
A Key Task for Incoming Director Hugo Viana
Hugo Viana, set to replace Txiki Begiristain as City’s director of football in the summer of 2025, is expected to take the reins in reshaping the squad. His role could align with Pep Guardiola’s potential contract extension until 2026, as reports suggest the Spaniard is close to signing a new deal.
One area likely to demand attention is the right side of defense. Although Guardiola can currently rely on Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker, the latter’s age has raised questions about his longevity at the top level.
Man City’s Interest in El Hilali
According to reports from TBR Football, Manchester City have shown “keen interest” in Omar El Hilali, identifying him as a potential long-term option for their backline. While no formal approach has been made, City are closely monitoring his development at Espanyol.
El Hilali has a €15m (£12.5m) release clause in his contract, which runs until the summer of 2027—a figure that seems attainable for a player of his potential. However, City are not alone in their pursuit; Aston Villa and Brighton are also tracking the young Moroccan defender.
Why El Hilali is Turning Heads
El Hilali has become a vital part of Espanyol’s defense under coach Manolo Gonzalez, starting all 12 of their La Liga matches this season. Known for his versatility, the defender can operate both as a right-back and a central defender, showcasing maturity beyond his years.
Since emerging from Espanyol’s academy, El Hilali has made 63 senior appearances for the Catalan club. Internationally, he has represented Morocco at the Under-20 and Under-23 levels but is yet to break into the senior team.
What’s Next for El Hilali?
Espanyol return to action after the international break with a Catalan derby against Girona on November 23. All eyes will be on El Hilali as City and their Premier League rivals assess whether to escalate their interest.
With City’s squad continually evolving and Walker’s future likely to influence the club’s plans, Omar El Hilali could be a name to watch in the coming months.
