Elif Elmas Set for Napoli Return as Loan Talks Reach Final Stages

Elif Elmas is close to rejoining Napoli from RB Leipzig. Talks are almost done. The clubs are finalizing a deal where Napoli will pay Elmas’s salary during the loan. Elmas is eager to return and is only speaking to Napoli at the moment, as confirmed in a recent report discussing his intentions.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Napoli and RB Leipzig are in direct talks about Elif Elmas returning to Italy. Elmas wants to go back to Napoli and has stopped all other options. Napoli wants Elmas on loan with a chance to buy later, and Napoli have proposed a loan with an option to buy Elif Elmas for around €13-15 million.

RB Leipzig wanted to sell Elmas permanently but now agrees to the loan because other clubs are not interested and he is not in coach Ole Werner’s plans. Talks should finish soon with details on salary and fees being discussed today, with Napoli feeling they are close to a deal.

NAPOLI THIS SEASON AND ELMAS’ PERFORMANCE

Napoli is fighting to return to the top four in Serie A after a successful season that saw them win the Serie A title. Their attack and midfield depth have been tested, and Elmas’s return, who played 143 games and helped win the Scudetto in 2023, could help a lot. Elif Elmas had a mixed time at RB Leipzig and then with Torino, making 15 appearances and scoring once in Serie A.

Elmas did not play much at RB Leipzig, with only 22 games last season, mostly as a substitute, and spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Torino, where he played regularly but did not score. Leipzig started the Bundesliga season with a big 6-0 loss to Bayern Munich, while Napoli is in a tight race with Roma, Juventus and Inter Milan, who promise to be their main title contenders in the quest for the Serie A title.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR NAPOLI AND ELMAS?

Napoli’s next game is an important Serie A match against Cagliari, who drew their opener to Fiorentina. Elmas will strengthen Napoli’s midfield options, being able to play in multiple positions. With the squad stretched and Elmas wanting to play regularly, his return could help Napoli aim for European qualification.

Talks for his move continue today, and the deal will likely be done before the transfer window closes. Napoli is hoping to finalize the transfer deal soon for clarity before their respective schedules get busy.