Morocco’s Neil El Aynaoui set for RB Leipzig move as Gasperini explains Roma exit

Morocco international Neil El Aynaoui is set to leave AS Roma for RB Leipzig on loan, with coach Gian Piero Gasperini explaining the factors behind the midfielder’s imminent departure.

The 24-year-old is expected to complete a move to the Bundesliga club on Tuesday, in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

Gasperini said El Aynaoui had made an excellent start to his time at Roma before several factors affected his progress from December onwards.

AFCON and increased pressure affected progress

Speaking ahead of Roma’s meeting with Lecce, Gasperini said El Aynaoui’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations and the difficulties he encountered after returning from the tournament contributed to a decline in his performances.

The Italian coach also pointed to the increased expectations surrounding the Moroccan after the World Cup as another challenge the midfielder had to deal with.

El Aynaoui’s return to club football therefore came at a time when the pressure and scrutiny surrounding him had increased significantly.

Competition for places at Roma

Gasperini also acknowledged that competition within Roma’s midfield made regular first-team football difficult for the Morocco international.

The presence of players including Niccolò Pisilli, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné meant El Aynaoui faced a battle for playing time.

The midfielder is also understood to have been keen to take on a fresh challenge and test himself at a higher level.

Gasperini believes the proposed move to Leipzig can benefit both the player and Roma, from sporting and financial perspectives.

Leipzig loan includes purchase option

El Aynaoui is expected to join Leipzig on a €4m loan deal, with the agreement reportedly including an option for the German club to make the transfer permanent for €25m.

Roma will also retain a percentage of any future resale profit generated by the midfielder under the reported terms of the agreement.

The move would bring an end to El Aynaoui’s spell in Rome and give the Morocco international the opportunity to continue his career in the Bundesliga.