RB Leipzig Signs Moroccan National Team Player El Aynaoui

Bundesliga club RB Leipzig has secured the services of Neil El Aynaoui shortly before the end of the transfer window. The Moroccan international is moving to Saxony on loan from AS Roma. According to media reports, the loan fee is four million euros. In addition, RB has secured an option to buy next summer, reportedly set at 25 million euros.

“He brings a lot of running power and aggressiveness, is very intense when defending, and at the same time can use his skill to create dynamism and solutions in midfield. He’s a presence on both sides of the ball and can cover large areas of the field,” said RB sporting director Marcel Schäfer in a press release.

World Cup player’s transfer comes as a surprise

El Aynaoui’s move comes as a surprise, as very few had linked him to RB. The 1.85-meter-tall midfielder, who also played in this summer’s World Cup, fits into Leipzig’s system well due to his playing style. He is expected to play primarily in the “eight” position but can also be deployed flexibly in the defensive “six” position. This move increases the Champions League participant’s versatility in midfield.

The 25-year-old, who was born in France and is the son of former professional tennis player Younes El Aynaoui, made his professional debut with AS Nancy before transferring to RC Lens in 2023. A year ago, he joined AS Roma. Now he is making the move to the Bundesliga.