Man Utd hold talks for Espanyol full-back Omar El Hilali

On November 10, 2026, Manchester United held talks at Carrington about Espanyol full-back Omar El Hilali ahead of the January transfer window. The 23-year-old is a right-back for RCD Espanyol in LaLiga.

United’s recruitment team is prioritising defenders who offer adaptability, durability and availability. El Hilali has been identified as a target and has established himself in Spain as a "primarily solid defensive player". His physical strength, athleticism and effectiveness in one-on-one situations have increased his importance to Espanyol.

El Hilali was born in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain, on September 12, 2003. He is right-footed and listed at six feet (183 cm). He joined Espanyol's academy at the age of 13.

His contract with Espanyol runs until June 30, 2027, and his projected market value is €15 million. He is principally deployed at right-back but is also capable of playing left-back, centre-back or as a defensive midfielder. His leaping reach and aerial strength are cited as factors that allow him to transition into central defensive duties.

He made his senior B-team debut in October 2020 and his first-team debut for Espanyol on April 4, 2021, at age 17. Since breaking through he has established himself as a regular in the senior squad. That progression has attracted interest from clubs including Manchester United.

In LaLiga he posts strong numbers for successful tackles and defensive clearances. Those statistics are underpinned by notable ground-duelling ability and a high work rate. Observers point to those traits as key to his defensive contributions.

Although born in Spain, El Hilali represents Morocco at international level and has family roots in Tangier. He represented Morocco at U-20 level, helped the U-23 side win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has received senior national team call-ups.

The talks at Carrington were reported to have taken place ahead of the January transfer window.