Moroccan international Neil El Aynaoui has closed in on a departure from AS Roma to join RB Leipzig, following a verbal agreement reached between both clubs in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that negotiations have concluded successfully, with final paperwork and medical examinations pending prior to contract execution and official announcement.
Roma will receive a €4 million loan fee for the central midfielder, with an included €25 million purchase option alongside a sell-on percentage clause should the transfer be made permanent.
Leipzig’s pursuit comes months after El Aynaoui was linked with Real Madrid, whose scouts reportedly tracked him with the Morocco national team, while also drawing interest from Barcelona and several major English clubs.
Leipzig continue an impressive summer transfer window, having re-signed Christopher Nkunku on loan and secured Rocco Reitz and Maxime Estève, before reaching an agreement to acquire Chelsea striker Marc Guiu in a package deal worth around €17 million.
The 25-year-old El Aynaoui developed through Nancy’s youth academy in France before transferring to Lens in 2023, subsequently joining Roma in July 2025 on a contract running through summer 2030.
Despite lacking a consistent starting role with the Italian club, El Aynaoui’s international stock rose significantly following his senior debut for Morocco in September 2025, establishing himself as a core starter during the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup thanks to his ball-winning ability and build-up play.
