Leipzig turn to Morocco international Neil El Aynaoui after Roma spell

RB Leipzig have officially confirmed the arrival of Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui from AS Roma on a season-long loan, with an option to buy included in the agreement.

The move will take the 25-year-old into the Bundesliga for the first time, after previous spells in France’s Ligue 1 and Italy’s Serie A. El Aynaoui spent the previous campaign with AS Roma, having joined the Italian club from RC Lens with significant expectations.

His switch to Germany follows a season in which he made 25 appearances for Roma. However, his prospects at the club changed after Gian Piero Gasperini took charge, with the Italian manager apparently no longer considering El Aynaoui part of his plans for the new campaign.

That change in position opened the way for the midfielder to leave the Italian capital. RB Leipzig have moved quickly to bring him in, seeing his profile as an addition capable of strengthening their midfield and giving him the opportunity to play more regularly.

According to exclusive information reported by Africafoot, El Aynaoui had previously turned down two offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia before completing his move to RB Leipzig.

The midfielder began his development with AS Nancy-Lorraine, where he first attracted attention, before continuing his progress at RC Lens. His performances eventually earned him a move to AS Roma and established him as a Morocco international.

El Aynaoui has won 22 caps for Morocco and remains on the back of a particularly impressive World Cup with the Lions of the Atlas. His current estimated market value is €30m, according to Transfermarkt. That figure could offer an indication of the potential financial significance of the purchase option attached to his loan.

The transfer has been completed as AS Roma prepare for their third match of the Italian league season against Atalanta. El Aynaoui will therefore begin a new chapter in Germany while his former club continues its domestic campaign under Gasperini.

Betting company 1xbet lists AS Roma as favourites for the fixture, offering odds of 1.64 for a home win. A draw is priced at 3.70, while an Atalanta victory is listed at 5.00.