Roma had hoped to finalize a deal worth 35 million euros for Jamie Leweling from Stuttgart, but the flight bringing the winger from Germany to Rome was cancelled. Should Aynaoui's move to Leipzig fail, Roma could accept Chelsea's 60 million euro offer for French midfielder Manu Koné, potentially including Jamie Bynoe-Gittens moving to the Italian capital on loan as an alternative.
Where he fits in the current squad
Neil Aynaoui, the Moroccan midfielder, was set to join RB Leipzig on loan from Roma with a 4 million euro fee and a 25 million euro option to buy. The option would become obligatory if certain conditions were met. Aynaoui travelled to Germany yesterday to undergo a medical, but reports today pointed to problems obstructing the completion of his move to the German club. Quite what those obstacles are remains unclear.
Why the medical matters for the player
The medical examination is a standard requirement in football transfers, and Aynaoui's trip to Germany yesterday highlighted its importance. Several reports today pointed to problems obstructing the completion of his move to the German club, though the exact nature of the issues remains unclear. Roma's strategy in the final hours of the transfer window is now in a state of confusion.
What happens next for the Moroccan international
If Aynaoui's move to Leipzig proves impossible to complete, keeping him could change Roma's calculations in the Manu Koné file. The French midfielder occupies a similar position, and Roma may be ready to accept Chelsea's offer of 60 million euros. In that scenario, the deal could also include Jamie Bynoe-Gittens moving to Roma on loan, a player who occupies a position similar to the cancelled Leweling transfer.
Next fixture for Morocco
Morocco's next fixture is scheduled for this week, with the team preparing for upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifying matches. The squad will be looking to build on recent performances as Aynaoui's future at Roma remains uncertain.
According to Foot Mercato, the agreement between Roma and Leipzig on Aynaoui's move is now at risk of falling through despite reaching advanced stages. The Moroccan midfielder was set to join Leipzig on loan for 4 million euros, with an option to buy at the end of the season worth an additional 25 million euros. That option would become obligatory if certain conditions were met. Aynaoui travelled yesterday, Monday, to undergo a medical, but several reports today pointed to problems obstructing the completion of his move to the German club. Quite what those obstacles are remains unclear, and it comes with Roma's strategy in the final hours of the transfer window in a state of confusion.
Roma had also hoped to wrap up a final deal by signing winger Jamie Leweling from Stuttgart for around 35 million euros. Reports, though, pointed to the cancellation of the flight that was to bring him from Germany to the Italian capital. Should Aynaoui's move to Leipzig prove impossible to complete, keeping him could change Roma's calculations in the Manu Koné file, with the club perhaps ready to accept Chelsea's offer of 60 million euros for the French midfielder. In that case, the deal could also include Jamie Bynoe-Gittens moving to Roma on loan. He occupies a position similar to Leweling's and has been floated as an alternative option.
