RB Leipzig announced on Tuesday, September 1, the signing of Neil El Aynaoui from AS Roma. The Moroccan international joins the German club on loan for the entire 2026-27 season, with an option to buy.
The deal is reportedly worth €4 million for the loan, with the purchase option set at €25 million.
“RB Leipzig has an excellent reputation, and their intense, dynamic style of play, as well as their desire to control the ball, fit my qualities and profile perfectly,” El Aynaoui said after his move was confirmed.
The Moroccan midfielder said his discussions with the club’s management and head coach Martín Demichelis had also convinced him to join Leipzig.
“I’m very excited about this new challenge. I can’t wait to get on the pitch with the team and play my part in achieving our goals,” he added.
Marcel Schäfer, RB Leipzig’s managing director for sport, welcomed the arrival of the Moroccan international, saying the German club had been following him for several years.
“With Neil El Aynaoui, we are bringing in a player who fits our profile and style of play perfectly. He brings great stamina and fighting spirit, remarkable intensity without the ball, while his ability to create play allows him to bring dynamism and find solutions in midfield,” Schäfer said.
The German official also highlighted El Aynaoui’s performances at the most recent World Cup.
“At the World Cup, Neil recently showed once again that he can bring his qualities to the highest level. At 25, he already has a wealth of experience and significant room for development. We have been following Neil for several years and have closely monitored his progress. That is why we are delighted to have brought him to RB Leipzig,” he added.
El Aynaoui becomes the first Moroccan player in history to represent RB Leipzig’s first team. He will wear the number 21 shirt.
