RB Leipzig have confirmed the signing of Eljif Elmas from Napoli on a permanent deal. They will pay the Azzurri a sum worth €25 million including bonuses, while the player will sign a five-year deal until 2028.
The midfielder is expected to be the replacement for Emil Forsberg, with the iconic Swede set to leave Leipzig to join the New York Red Bulls in the MLS in January. Due to the similarity between both players, it can be called a like-for-like switch by the sporting directors.
Eljif Elmas reveals why he chose RB Leipzig
The 24-year-old was upfront in outlining the playing style as one of the main reasons he joined Leipzig. And in the process, also revealing that he wants to play regularly at his new club.
“Moving to the Bundesliga and joining RB Leipzig is the stuff of dreams for me. The club is known for the special football they play. They like gegenpressing, play with pace and have a strong attack. All of that suits me down to the ground,” Eljif Elmas said upon being announced as a new signing for the Red Bull club.
“The team is a cool mix of young talents, who can improve a lot here, and players who’ve experienced and achieved a lot in their long spells at the club. I want to help us stay right in the mix of things at the top of the Bundesliga and potentially cause an upset against Real Madrid in the Champions League.”
Elmas featured in 36 of 38 Serie A games last season as Napoli won the Scudetto. After only four starts this season, he was keen to leave to get regular time. And now, he has his chance in the Bundesliga.
