According to AfricaFoot, RB Leipzig have made the firm decision to trigger the purchase option for Neil El Aynaoui, who is on loan from AS Roma. The 25-year-old Moroccan midfielder has quickly established himself in the Bundesliga.
According to AfricaFoot, RB Leipzig have made the firm decision to trigger the purchase option to sign Neil El Aynaoui permanently, with the player currently on loan from AS Roma. The Morocco international joined the German club in the final stretch of the transfer window, in September 2026. The Bundesliga club have been convinced by his impact in midfield.
At 25, the player is confirming his rise in Europe, following notable spells at Nancy and Lens, and then in Serie A with AS Roma. All that remains is to formalise the contractual documents between the two clubs, which should happen before the opening of the January 2027 winter transfer window.
Convinced directors and staff
According to AfricaFoot, Leipzig’s directors and technical staff have been convinced by the Moroccan’s impact and consistency. He quickly established himself in his coach’s tactical system, despite the transitional phase the German club are going through. That consistency weighed in the balance when it came to deciding the future of the loan.
The amount of the purchase option, negotiated last summer, should allow Leipzig to secure the player for the long term. AS Roma, who hold the player’s main contract, are set to receive a permanent transfer fee.
A methodical progression
Neil El Aynaoui’s story is one of steady progression. After spells at Nancy and then Lens, the midfielder took a step up by joining Serie A and AS Roma, before settling in the Bundesliga.
That choice was also publicly endorsed by Abderrazak Khairi, former Morocco international and consultant, who spoke to AfricaFoot: “In my opinion, it’s a good decision, because it will guarantee him regular playing time with Leipzig. At that age, that’s far more important than the prestige of the club.”
The Atlas Lions in sight
This rise is also of interest to the Morocco national team. According to AfricaFoot, El Aynaoui is among the players being closely monitored to strengthen the Atlas Lions’ midfield ahead of the next international fixtures.
Leipzig’s next Bundesliga match will be against Schalke 04, on 31 October 2026.