In the end, Neil El Aynaoui’s move from AS Roma to RB Leipzig comes down to a straightforward structure: a season-long loan for 2026/27, backed by a €25m option to buy that Leipzig can activate at their discretion.
Roma will receive €4m immediately as the loan fee, a sum paid regardless of what happens next. If Leipzig chooses to make the deal permanent, Roma stands to earn a further €25m, bringing the total potential value of the transaction to €29m. On top of that, Roma has secured a sell-on percentage, meaning the Italian club would benefit financially from any future transfer if El Aynaoui moves on again after joining Leipzig permanently.
A €4m loan fee up front, a potential €29m total, and a sell-on clause that keeps Roma invested in El Aynaoui’s future.
The €25m figure is described mainly as an option, not a guaranteed obligation. Leipzig can decide at the end of the season whether to exercise it, based on how the midfielder performs and fits into the squad. However, some reports suggest the option could convert into a mandatory purchase under certain conditions, likely tied to appearances or specific sporting benchmarks. This kind of structure is common in modern transfers, allowing clubs to test a player without committing fully upfront.
For Leipzig, the arrangement limits financial risk while giving them priority access to a Bundesliga-ready central midfielder with international experience for Morocco. El Aynaoui has already established himself as a key figure for the Atlas Lions, adding to his appeal as a long-term investment, regularly featured as part of the midfield options within Morocco’s national team squad. The €4m loan fee functions as a trial investment, letting the club assess how El Aynaoro adapts to their tactical system before committing larger funds.
For Roma, the deal fits into broader squad restructuring, with the club also managing incoming moves such as midfielder Marten de Roon. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has framed the loan as a chance for El Aynaoui to find regular playing time and reset his career trajectory. Roma keeps flexibility either way: a substantial transfer fee if Leipzig triggers the option, or the player’s return if they don’t.
Registration with Leipzig for 2026/27 has already been confirmed, with El Aynaoui set to wear the number 21 shirt. The permanent contract terms are reportedly already agreed in case the option is exercised, meaning any conversion could happen quickly and without further negotiation delays.
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