OFFICIAL: RB Leipzig sign Elmas

First move of the top teams in German football. RB Leipzig announced on Wednesday the signing of Macedonian Eljif Elmas until 2028, ending a five-season spell with Napoli, where he won a Coppa Italia (2020) and Serie A (2022-23).

"Eljif Elmas will join RB Leipzig from SSC Napoli on 1st January 2024. The 24-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract until June 2028 and will wear the number 6 shirt for RBL. The midfielder will travel to the training camp in La Magna with the rest of the squad on 2nd January 2024," says the Leipzig statement.

The German club also stated that the midfielder will take the place left vacant by Emil Forsberg, who in the next few days will leave for the MLS to play for the New York Red Bulls. Elmas will join the team's training camp in La Manga on 2 January.

"Eljif’s technical ability is amazing. He’s nimble, loves to run and dribble, and can score goals. He can play down the middle, but is equally comfortable on both wings. He’ll bring something different to our game with his skills, since he’s very good at beating his man thanks to his acceleration and physicality. He always looks to get the ball forward," added the statement.

The Macedonian midfielder himself also made his first words as a new RB Leipzig player. “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, said Elmas.

"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. That’s why moving to Leipzig is the right step for me and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in January," added the former Napoli player.

 

December 27, 2023