Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali is being considered by Manchester United, and it is believed that fresh discussions took place at Carrington ahead of the January transfer window.

United’s recruitment team is clearly prioritising defenders who offer adaptability, durability and availability. The 23-year-old El Hilali, who currently plays in LaLiga with Espanyol, has established himself as a “primarily solid defensive player” in Spain.

His physical strength, athleticism and exceptional effectiveness in one-on-one situations have made him increasingly important to Espanyol.

Who is Omar El Hilali?

El Hilali, who was born in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain, on September 12, 2003, is six feet tall and plays right back for RCD Espanyol; however, he can also play left or centre back. His contract with Espanyol is set to expire on June 30, 2027. His projected market value is €15 million.

He joined Espanyol’s academy at the age of 13 and advanced through it, making his first-team debut on April 4, 2021, at the age of 17, and his senior B-team debut in October 2020. He signed a contract until 2027, solidified his status as a regular, and attracted interest from teams like Manchester United.

Despite being born in Spain, he is a Moroccan international, with family roots in Tangier. He subsequently received senior national team call-ups, having previously represented Morocco at U-20 level and helped the U-23 side win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Omar El Hilali’s playing style

Omar El Hilali, a right-footed Moroccan defender for RCD Espanyol, is mostly a right-back but can also play defensive midfielder or centre back.

He consistently scores well in LaLiga for successful tackles and defensive clearances owing to his great ground-duelling abilities and high work rate. With a decent leaping reach and a height of 183 cm (6 ft), he can easily transition into centre defensive duties because of his aerial strength.

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