Eljif Elmas to return to RB Leipzig after Napoli decline buy option
Napoli have confirmed midfielder Eljif Elmas will return to RB Leipzig following the conclusion of his loan spell after the Italian club chose not to trigger their option to buy.
The Serie A side had the opportunity to sign the 26-year-old on a permanent deal for 16m euros (£13.3m), but deemed the price tag too high. Napoli attempted to negotiate a lower fee with Leipzig, but the German club refused to alter the terms of the original agreement, sealing the North Macedonian international’s departure.
Elmas made 44 appearances for Napoli across all competitions last season, contributing one goal and four assists, but his performances were not enough to convince the club’s hierarchy to secure his permanent signature.
The midfielder’s future is now uncertain as he heads back to the Bundesliga. A host of European clubs are tracking his situation, and Leipzig are expected to assess their options before deciding whether to integrate him back into the squad or cash in during the summer transfer window.
