Leipzig add dynamic Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui on loan
Mercato – Après a series of twists, Le RB Leipzig have secured Moroccan international Neil El Aynaoui on a loan from Roma until the close of the 2026/27 season, with an option to sign him permanently. The dynamic midfielder featured in 25 Serie A games last term, netting one goal and two assists.
The agreement runs to the end of the 2026/27 campaign and includes a clause that allows Leipzig to trigger a permanent transfer. The deal was finalised before the summer transfer window closed, reinforcing the club’s midfield options.
Strategic fit and club endorsement
« Avec Neil El Aynaoui, nous accueillons un joueur qui correspond parfaitement à notre profil et à notre style de jeu », declared Marcel Schäfer, sporting director of RB Leipzig. He added that the midfielder’s energy and ball‑winning intensity fit the German side’s tactical philosophy.
Aynaoui logged 25 Serie A appearances for Roma last season, contributing one goal and two decisive passes. His performances demonstrated the box‑to‑box dynamism that Leipzig seek in central areas.
Career pedigree and European experience
He began his professional career in France’s second tier with AS Nancy, before attracting Ligue 1 heavyweight Lens, whom he joined in 2023. In 2025 he transferred to Roma, amassing 49 league appearances for the Italian club.
Aynaoui has featured in both the UEFA Champions League with Lens and the UEFA Europa League with Roma, gaining valuable continental exposure. He has earned 22 caps for Maroc, including six matches at the recent FIFA World Cup 2026.
Described as a box‑to‑box midfielder with excellent dribbling, he offers high intensity off the ball and creative possession play. His arrival provides additional depth to the midfield selections of head coach Martín Demichelis.
Aynaoui joins recent acquisitions Christopher Nkunku and Rocco Reitz, both of whom contributed to Leipzig’s emphatic Bundesliga opening victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach. The trio underscores the club’s aggressive summer recruitment strategy.
The contrast between Leipzig’s rapid squad overhaul and Aynaoui’s steady climb through French and Italian football highlights a mutual ambition to compete at the highest level. With the midfielder now in Germany, the club will look to build on its early‑season momentum as the 2026/27 campaign unfolds.