Neil El Aynaoui has revealed the key influences behind his summer move to RB Leipzig, highlighting how fellow Moroccan internationals Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari shaped his decision to join the Bundesliga club on loan from Roma. The 25-year-old midfielder arrived on the final day of the transfer window, eager to compete at one of Germany's most progressive football institutions.
In his first interview since the switch, El Aynaoui explained his attraction to Leipzig's project. "It was always my dream to play in the Bundesliga with a big club like RB Leipzig," he told the club's official channels. "My first conversations with the club left me with a good feeling, and I was very impressed by it." The midfielder's journey has taken him across Europe—born in France, developed in Spain, and tested in both France and Italy before representing Morocco internationally, including competing in the 2026 World Cup.
A Versatile Midfielder for Leipzig's Pressing Game
El Aynaoui defines himself as a hybrid player, comfortable operating across multiple midfield positions. This versatility aligns perfectly with Leipzig's high-intensity, press-heavy tactical system that demands athletes capable of contributing in both defensive and attacking phases. "I can play in several positions in midfield. I like to help in attack and defence, and to run hard for the team," he explained. Leipzig's success has always been built on physical intensity, quick transitions, and relentless pressing—qualities that suit El Aynaoui's all-action approach.
The Story Behind Number 21
The Moroccan international chose shirt number 21 for deeply personal reasons. "That number carries meaning because my younger brother was born on 21 August," he revealed. Such decisions reflect a player's character and commitment, often providing motivation during demanding Bundesliga campaigns.
Conversations with Saibari during the summer in southern France proved decisive in El Aynaoui's thinking. The pair discussed German football, Leipzig's ambitions, and life in the Bundesliga at length. Both Hakimi and Saibari, having established themselves in German football, vouched for the quality of the league and the opportunity at Leipzig. "Yes, we talked about this beforehand," El Aynaoui confirmed. "I'm really looking forward to those matches"—a reference to the upcoming Bayern Munich versus Leipzig fixtures where he will face his compatriots on opposing sides. One of his career highlights remains Morocco's penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, a moment that underscores his experience at the highest level and readiness for European elite competition.
