Roma send El Aynaoui to RB Leipzig and secure De Roon from Atalanta
Quick summary
AS Roma are reportedly sending midfielder El Aynaoui to RB Leipzig on loan with a buy option, while bringing in Marten de Roon from Atalanta as a replacement.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceIn an unexpected twist, Roma have reportedly agreed to hand Neil El Aynaoui to RB Leipzig for a potential €29m package, and replace him with Atalanta icon Marten de Roon.
There had been rumours earlier today that the Giallorossi were preparing some big changes in the middle of the park, that could well see El Aynaoui leave.
Roma release El Aynaoui and bring in De Roon ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Ederson of Atalanta challenges Neil El Aynaoui of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Although there was also interest from some Premier League sides, it would seem as if the decision has been made for him to go to the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig.
Sky Sport Italia report the agreement is for a loan at €4m and option to buy at the end of the season for another €25m, which can become an obligation if certain conditions are met.
The 25-year-old Morocco international was only purchased last year from RC Lens for €23.5m plus add-ons, but never really became a regular under Gian Piero Gasperini.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 02: Marten de Roon of Atalanta scores his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta at Stadio Olimpico on December 02, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) While El Aynaoui’s departure is not entirely a surprise, the big twist here is that his replacement will be De Roon.
The 35-year-old was in the last year of his contract with Atalanta, so is reportedly going to be allowed to leave for a nominal fee, linked entirely to performance-related bonuses.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 22: Marten de Roon of Atalanta celebrates becoming the clubs record appearance holder with family members in front of the fans after the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona FC at Gewiss Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images) This is depicted as a gentleman’s agreement between the clubs, allowing De Roon to play in the Champions League and be reunited with his old coach Gasperini at Roma.
The Dutchman truly was the heart and soul of that Atalanta side that Gasperini forged over nine years, first coming to the club in 2015-16, then returning in 2017 after a very brief experience with Middlesbrough.
He leaves after a record 445 appearances for the club , where he scored 23 goals and provided 32 assists.
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What happened
Roma are reshaping their midfield ahead of the new season. The club has agreed to send El Aynaoui to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on a loan deal that includes an option or obligation to buy. To offset the departure, Roma have moved quickly to secure experienced Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon, who brings Serie A know-how and leadership. The double move signals Roma's intent to balance squad budget while adding proven quality, with Leipzig gaining a young talent and Roma reinforcing their engine room with a battle-tested operator.
Chance analysis
Roma are executing a midfield reshuffle that speaks to both financial pragmatism and squad-building intent. Offloading El Aynaoui to RB Leipzig frees up space and capital while addressing a Bundesliga club's interest in developing young talent. Replacing him with Marten de Roon — a player in the later stage of his career but with deep Serie A experience at Atalanta — is a clear signal that Roma want immediate reliability and tactical discipline in the middle of the park rather than another developmental bet.
Roma's midfield gains experienced Serie A cover with de Roon but loses a young option in El Aynaoui, whose development moves to the Bundesliga.