RB Leipzig have signed midfielder Neil El Aynaoui on loan from AS Roma, while new defender Abdoul Koné has been left out of their Champions League squad. Manager Martin Demichelis's side begins the new campaign with a perfect record of three goals scored, none conceded, and three points from one match, placing them 3rd in the Bundesliga standings.
Who is RB Leipzig's new midfield signing?
Neil El Aynaoui joins Leipzig on loan until the end of the 2026/27 season from Italian club AS Roma. The 25-year-old Morocco international arrives with an option for a permanent transfer. Sporting director Marcel Schäfer expressed his delight at securing the dynamic player before the summer transfer window closed.
"With Neil El Aynaoui, we are bringing in a player who fits our profile and our style of play extremely well," Schäfer said. The midfielder made 25 Serie A appearances for Roma last term, scoring one goal and providing two assists. He will wear the number 21 shirt and is available for selection for Saturday's away fixture at Werder Bremen.
Why is Abdoul Koné missing from the Champions League squad?
Defender Abdoul Koné, who was signed in the winter, was not included in the 24-man squad for the Champions League group stage. The 21-year-old Frenchman, along with backup goalkeeper Leopold Zingerle, was omitted. Koné originally moved from Stade Reims for €17 million in January but was immediately loaned back.
He has been part of the first-team squad since summer but missed a large part of pre-season due to a capsule injury in his right shoulder. He was not in the matchday squad for the first two competitive games against Trier and Gladbach. "He still needs some adaptation time. That's why it makes sense not to include him." The squad can be adjusted for the Champions League knockout stages.
How did RB Leipzig start their Bundesliga season?
The Red Bulls kicked off the 2026/27 campaign with a convincing 3-0 home victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach. Antonio Nusa scored a spectacular goal, while Christopher Nkunku marked his return to the club with an assist. The team delivered a solid defensive performance, keeping a clean sheet, which is reflected in their current goal difference of +3.
This result provides a strong foundation for the challenges ahead. Following the Bundesliga match in Bremen on September 5th, the first Champions League group game awaits on September 10th against Italian side Como. You can view the full schedule for European matches on our fixtures page.
What other squad matters are affecting the club?
Beyond the transfers and squad decisions, RB Leipzig continues to be without the injured Christoph Baumgartner. The Austrian is listed on the club's current injuries page, leaving the team short in an attacking position. His return date is not yet in sight.
Meanwhile, city rivals Lok Leipzig are searching for a new goalkeeper after first-choice Andreas Naumann suffered a cruciate ligament tear. Sporting director Toni Wachsmuth said they would now trial out-of-contract goalkeepers. Justin Duda deputised for Naumann in their recent 1-2 defeat to Erzgebirge Aue.
RB Leipzig travel to face 15th-placed Werder Bremen on Saturday, September 5th, 2026. A win could temporarily take them to the top of the table.
