Neil El Aynaoui reveals Hakimi and Saibari’s role in Leipzig decision

Neil El Aynaoui says advice from Morocco team-mates Achraf Hakimi and Ismaël Saibari helped shape his decision to join RB Leipzig as he begins a new chapter in Germany.

The Moroccan midfielder has already turned his attention towards his new challenge after arriving at Leipzig, a move that fulfils his long-standing ambition of playing in the Bundesliga.

El Aynaoui said his first conversations with the German club immediately left a strong impression on him and helped convince him that Leipzig was the right destination.

“From our first exchanges, I had a very good feeling and I was impressed by RBL ,” says the player, who had long dreamed of playing in the Bundesliga.

The midfielder did not make the decision alone, with discussions involving two fellow Morocco internationals also playing a part in his choice.

El Aynaoui spoke with Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi and Ismaël Saibari before deciding to make the move to Germany. Their advice provided him with additional insight as he considered the next step in his career.

The new Leipzig midfielder also believes his versatility can be an important quality as he settles into the team. He is comfortable operating in different positions across midfield and sees himself as someone capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.

“I like to be active in both directions of the game, both defensively and in attack for my team,” he explains in comments reported by Le 360 ​​Sport.

That ability to contribute defensively while also supporting attacks is part of how El Aynaoui describes his approach to the game.

The move to Leipzig also comes after a memorable period with the Morocco national team, with El Aynaoui retaining a particular memory from the 2026 World Cup.

Among his standout moments with the Atlas Lions was their victory against the Netherlands, a result he remembers fondly and considers one of the most significant experiences of his international career.

He describes the win as “truly exceptional.”

Now, however, the midfielder’s attention has shifted towards his new surroundings in Germany. With his move to Leipzig complete, El Aynaoui is focused on establishing himself at the club and beginning life at the Red Bull Arena.

His decision to join Leipzig follows a period of careful consideration, including conversations with Hakimi and Saibari, while his desire to play in the Bundesliga remained a major attraction.

The Moroccan now has the opportunity to pursue that ambition with Leipzig, where he will look to make his mark in a new league and continue his development at club level.