RB Leipzig sign Neil El Aynaoui on season-long loan with option | OneFootball

RB Leipzig have signed Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui on loan from Roma for 2026/27, with a purchase option.

According to Sky Germany, Leipzig will pay a €4m loan fee and hold a €25m option for next summer.

The move caps a late push for immediate midfield cover after injuries hit Martín Demichelis' options. Christoph Baumgartner is out, Assan Ouédraogo suffered a pre-season setback, Xaver Schlager left for Nottingham Forest and Arthur Vermeeren's future is unclear.

El Aynaoui brings more experience than Leipzig's typical prospects. Roma signed him from RC Lens last summer for about €23.5m, and he made 34 appearances with two goals and two assists, including 25 in Serie A.

He has 22 Morocco caps, started every match at the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup, and missed only seven minutes. He also has Champions League and Europa League experience.

Demichelis has prepared a high-intensity 4-3-3 built on pressing, quick vertical transitions and a disciplined holder, and El Aynaoui is viewed as ready to meet that workload.

Sporting executive Marcel Schäfer said the midfielder fits Leipzig's profile, offering running power, aggression and on-ball quality. El Aynaoui said the club's style suits his strengths and he is eager to get started.

Leipzig also confirmed the permanent exit of 19-year-old Ayodele Thomas to NEC Nijmegen on a contract to 2030. He joined from PSV's second team in February, did not make a senior appearance, and departs after seven months.

Source: Get German Football News

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