Leipzig bring in Morocco international Neil El Aynaoui from Roma

Morocco international Neil El Aynaoui has joined Bundesliga club Leipzig from Roma on a season-long loan, with the German side paying a €4m loan fee.

The 25-year-old central midfielder switches to Leipzig after one season with Roma, who signed him from Lens for €23.5m in July 2025. El Aynaoui’s move to Germany was completed on 1 September 2026.

El Aynaoui has been given the number 21 shirt at Leipzig and will remain with the club until 30 June 2027. He is right-footed and stands 1.85m tall.

The midfielder made one Serie A appearance for Roma at the start of the 2026-27 campaign, playing 11 minutes. His arrival gives Leipzig another central midfield option as they compete in the Bundesliga.

El Aynaoui joined Roma after two seasons at Lens, having moved there from AS Nancy for €600,000 in July 2023. He began his senior career with Nancy after progressing through the club’s reserve and under-19 sides.

Internationally, El Aynaoui represents Morocco and was part of the side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025. He also started all six of Morocco’s matches at the 2026 World Cup.

The loan move takes El Aynaoui from Serie A to the Bundesliga, with Leipzig securing his services for the 2026-27 season.