Eljif Elmas Returns to Napoli in Loan Deal with Option to Buy

Eljif Elmas is set to return to Napoli on loan from RB Leipzig. The Serie A team has an option to buy the midfielder from North Macedonia at the end of the season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Napoli have signed Eljif Elmas from RB Leipzig on a loan for the season. They paid €2 million for the loan and have a €16 million option to buy. Elmas played in 22 matches for Leipzig after his €23 million move in January 2024. He was loaned to Torino last season, scoring four goals in 13 Serie A games. Elmas, 25, is loved by Napoli fans and chose to return even though there were other options available to him. Reports confirm that Napoli have sent an offer to RB Leipzig for Elmas, aiming for a loan with an option to buy.

ELMAS’ RETURN AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR NAPOLI

Elmas was part of Napoli’s title-winning team in 2023, making 143 appearances in his first term at the club. Napoli are hoping to bounce back from a successful 2024/25 season, finishing as winners in Serie A as they missed out on Champions League football. Under coach Antonio Conte, Napoli hope Elmas will bring experience and creativity to their midfield, which struggled with consistency last season. His ability to play various positions in midfield and attack could provide the team with much-needed tactical flexibility as they aim to climb the table. Napoli is fighting to return to the top four in Serie A after winning the Serie A title last season.

NEXT MATCHES AND SEASON OUTLOOK

Napoli began their Serie A campaign last weekend against Sassuolo, who is back in the Serie A after gaining promotion last season and the Partenopei will be facing Cagliari for their second match of the season. Both clubs are aiming for a top-four finish, with only two points separating their standings last year. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig kicked off their Bundesliga season against Bayern Munich and lost 6-0, looking at recover on the next matchday against Heidenheim. Leipzig finished 7th last year and failed to secure a Europa League spot. They, however, had difficulty finding a consistent role for Elmas, as he hasn’t settled at RB Leipzig since leaving Napoli in January 2024 and has had limited playing time. As Napoli enter a critical season with new signings and a new coach, the focus will be on Elmas and whether he can help the club return to the Champions League spots, restoring their way of winning in Naples.