RB Leipzig close in on three deals as summer 2026 transfer window enters final stretch | OneFootball

RB Leipzig are pushing to complete two significant late-window additions, with Chelsea striker Marc Guiu and Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui both reportedly on course for moves to Saxony. As Get German Football News reported late last week, Leipzig are set to sign Spanish U21 international Guiu permanently from Chelsea. Kicker reports that the final negotiated transfer fee totals around €17m including realistic performance-related bonuses.

El Aynaoui, meanwhile, is expected to arrive from Roma on an initial season-long loan containing a purchase option worth around €25m. The prospective double deal represents another substantial acceleration in Leipzig’s transfer activity following the recent return of Christopher Nkunku. Get German Football News noted in our 2026/27 RB Leipzig tactical preview that new head coach Martin Demichelis still required additional attacking personnel despite Nkunku’s arrival, particularly after Yan Diomande’s €125m move to Real Madrid.

Leipzig nevertheless still have significant outgoing business to complete before the window closes, with Conrad Harder poised to leave and the futures of Arthur Vermeeren, El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Lukas Klostermann all unresolved.

Guiu arrives as Harder heads for Strasbourg

Guiu effectively takes the squad place vacated by Harder, who is poised to join Racing Strasbourg on loan. The Danish striker will spend the entire 2026/27 campaign with the Ligue 1 side, with no purchase option included in the agreement. Strasbourg will reportedly cover Harder’s full salary before the 21-year-old returns to Leipzig next summer.

Harder never secured an undisputed starting role after arriving in Saxony. The once-capped Danish international nevertheless registered eight goal contributions across 1,081 competitive minutes in Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal action. Regular playing time is understood to have played a decisive role in his decision to move to France despite reported interest from Leeds United, Sevilla, Galatasaray and Lazio.

A medical and the remaining formalities must still be completed before the loan becomes official.

Leipzig agree El Aynaoui loan with €25m option

The midfielder represents another potentially significant addition for Demichelis as the Argentine continues shaping a squad around his preferred high-intensity 4-3-3 system. Demichelis has already enjoyed an encouraging competitive start. Leipzig defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-0 on Saturday in the new trainer’s first Bundesliga home match, after which the former Bayern defender described the occasion as an “unforgettable day” and thanked the Leipzig supporters for their reception.

El Aynaoui’s arrival, however, still appears contingent upon sporting executive Marcel Schäfer creating room within an already extensive squad.

Vermeeren, Bitshiabu and Klostermann exits remain unresolved

Leipzig have thus far been unable to find a satisfactory destination for Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren. That situation is particularly relevant to the El Aynaoui deal. Kicker reports that Schäfer must first create the necessary squad space before Leipzig can formally complete the Moroccan international’s move from Roma.

The situation surrounding El Chadaille Bitshiabu is similarly unresolved. Leipzig have been negotiating a loan move to RC Lens for the French centre-back, but the two clubs have yet to reach an agreement concerning the conditions of the deal. Veteran defender Lukas Klostermann is another player Leipzig would reportedly be prepared to move on.

GGFN | Peter Weis