RB Leipzig have announced two new signings and confirmed one departure in the frantic final phase of the transfer window. The Bundesliga club has brought in Morocco international Neil El Aynaoui from AS Roma and striker Marc Guiu from Chelsea, while Conrad Harder moves to France.
The deadline on Tuesday at 18:00 drove activity in the final hours. El Aynaoui traveled to Leipzig on Sunday to complete his loan move. The 25-year-old central midfielder joins for a loan fee of four million euros. The agreement includes a purchase option set at 25 million euros. Simultaneously, the transfer of 20-year-old forward Marc Guiu from Chelsea was completed for a fixed fee of 15 million euros. This deal contains a relatively high sell-on clause for the English club.
Who is leaving RB Leipzig?
In turn, 21-year-old striker Conrad Harder is leaving the club. He joins Racing Strasbourg on loan, with the deal containing no purchase option. Harder had already begun his journey to France on Sunday. His first season at Leipzig was disappointing, with just four goals in 34 appearances. Sporting director Marcel Schäfer (42) and coach Martin Demichelis (45) decided on this move. Demichelis had just celebrated his first win as Leipzig coach with a 3-0 victory over Gladbach. "I will never forget this day," the coach said after the match.
Which other players were discussed?
Beyond the completed deals, other rumors did not come to fruition. The transfer of El Chadaille Bitshiabu to Lens is described as wobbling. There are currently no offers for 21-year-old Belgian Arthur Vermeeren. Left-back David Raum, 28, was recently linked with Manchester United. The key player and regular starter is now expected to stay at RB Leipzig. The team sits in 2nd place in the Bundesliga with three points from one game. A goal difference of +3 points to a solid defense, which they aim to maintain as shown in the standings.
How does this fit into the current season planning?
The signings underscore the desire to improve the squad further after the strong season start. With three points from one game and a +3 goal difference, the next challenge is an away fixture against Werder Bremen on September 5th. The upcoming schedule can be checked on our fixtures page. The squad is broadened with El Aynaoui in defensive midfield and Guiu in attack. Departures and remaining players are listed in the current squad profile.
The final hours before the deadline were thus marked by targeted reinforcements and necessary adjustments. Leipzig heads into the next competitive matches with a strengthened and balanced squad. The focus now shifts entirely to sporting development under Martin Demichelis.
