RB Leipzig seal loan deal for Roma's Neil El Aynaoui
RB Leipzig have announced the signing of Morocco international Neil El Aynaoui from Roma on loan until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Included in the deal is an option for Leipzig to permanently sign the dynamic midfielder, who made 25 appearances in Italy's Serie A last term, scoring one goal and registering two assists.
"With Neil El Aynaoui, we are bringing in a player who fits our profile and our style of play extremely well," said Marcel Schäfer, Leipzig's Managing Director for Sport, who was delighted having secured the player ahead of the closure of the summer transfer window.
"He is a very energetic and aggressive player, offers a high level of intensity off the ball and can also provide dynamism and creativity in midfield with his quality in possession."
El Aynaoui began his professional career in the French second tier with his hometown club, Nancy, where he attracted the interest of Ligue 1 heavyweights Lens, for whom he signed in 2023. He subsequently moved to Roma in 2025, having impressed fans in northern France with his work rate over the course of his 49 league outings.
He boasts significant European and international experience, starring in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for Lens and Roma respectively, and earning 22 caps for Morocco, six of which came at the recent FIFA World Cup 2026.
A box-to-box midfielder with strong dribbling skills, El Aynaoui adds depth to Martín Demichelis' options in the centre of the pitch, and represents a further eye-catching capture for Leipzig following the signings of Christopher Nkunku and Rocco Reitz, who both played a part in the club's resounding Bundesliga Matchday 1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach.
"RB Leipzig has an excellent reputation, and the Leipzig style of play – with its high intensity, dynamism and ambition to dominate possession – suits me and my strengths very well," the Moroccan said of his move.
"I’m really excited about this new challenge. I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with the team and want to play my part in helping us achieve our goals straight away.”
The 25-year-old will wear the No. 21 shirt at the Red Bull Arena and will go straight into the squad for Leipzig's away assignment at Werder Bremen on Saturday.
