Neil El Aynaoui reveals why RB Leipzig move appealed and the meaning behind number 21

Neil El Aynaoui says the influence of Morocco team-mates Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari helped convince him that joining RB Leipzig was the right move, while he has also explained the personal significance of the number 21 shirt he will wear in Germany.

The 25-year-old midfielder joined RB Leipzig from Roma on loan on the final day of the summer transfer window, completing a move he described as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition to play in the Bundesliga.

“It was always my dream to play in the Bundesliga for a big club like RB Leipzig. My first conversations with the club gave me a good feeling and I was very impressed by it,” El Aynaoui told the club’s official website.

Born in France, El Aynaoui developed as a player in Spain before continuing his career in France and Italy. At international level, he chose to represent Morocco and was part of their squad at the 2026 World Cup.

The midfielder does not see himself as restricted to one position. Instead, he believes his ability to contribute in both attack and defence could suit a Leipzig side known for its physical intensity, pressing game and rapid transitions.

“I call myself a hybrid player. I can play in several positions in midfield. I like to help in attack and defence, and to run hard for the team,” he said.

El Aynaoui will wear number 21 at RB Leipzig, a choice linked to a family memory. His younger brother was born on 21 August, giving the shirt special personal meaning.

His decision to move to Germany was also shaped by conversations with fellow Morocco internationals who have experience of German football. El Aynaoui said he received positive impressions of life in the country from Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi and PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari.

Those discussions added to his belief that Leipzig would be an appropriate next step in his career. El Aynaoui spent part of the summer with Saibari in the south of France, where football naturally featured in their conversations.

Their friendship will soon be put to one side when their clubs meet, with Saibari’s PSV set to face El Aynaoui’s RB Leipzig? Wait source says Bayern Munich and Leipzig. Need accurately: Saibari? He is PSV, but source says competition between Bayern Munich and Leipzig, likely Saibari at Bayern? Fact source says “بين بايرن ميونخ ولايبزيج” between Bayern Munich and Leipzig, perhaps Saibari joined Bayern in fictional context. Must preserve and not correction. Write “when Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig meet”, but real current perhaps Saibari at PSV. Follow source. Quote.

“Yes, we have already spoken about it. I am really looking forward to these matches,” El Aynaoui said.

He also retains a particularly important memory from the 2026 World Cup: Morocco’s victory over the Netherlands on penalties in the last 16. He regards that result as one of the outstanding moments of his career and one he will never forget.

The move to RB Leipzig gives El Aynaoui the chance to establish himself in the Bundesliga after a career that has taken him through several countries and footballing cultures. His versatility, energy and willingness to contribute at both ends of the pitch are qualities he believes can help him adapt to Leipzig’s demanding style.