AS Roma is finalizing the transfer of Dutch midfielder Marten De Roon from Atalanta. At the same time, Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui is leaving the club to join RB Leipzig on a loan deal. Sky Sport Italia reported the news on August 30, 2026, as Roma prepares for its second Serie A match against Lecce, who are currently fifth in the table.
The Giallorossi, sitting second in the league with 3 points from one win, have scored 4 goals without conceding any. This transfer activity comes as the club deals with the absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch, currently sidelined with injuries, as shown on the updated injuries list.
Who is Marten De Roon and why is he joining
Marten De Roon, the 35-year-old Dutch midfielder, personally requested a transfer from Atalanta, which agreed to the move. The player is arriving practically for free, with a bonus related to future objectives of around one million euros. For De Roon, this is a reunion with coach Gian Piero Gasperini, with whom he previously worked in Bergamo. His experience and character are seen as useful assets for a midfield that, despite a good league start, is seeking greater coverage.
What happens to Neil El Aynaoui
Neil El Aynaoui, after just one season in the capital, is departing for Germany. The agreement with RB Leipzig is a paid loan worth 4 million euros. The deal includes an option to buy set at 25 million euros, which the German club can exercise at the end of the season. His departure creates the necessary space in the squad for the acquisition of De Roon, in an outgoing move that provides Roma with immediate funds for other business.
What other targets does Roma have
Before the transfer window closes, the Giallorossi management still needs to address the left attacking winger position. According to Sky Sport Italia, two names are under consideration. The first is Luiz Henrique, currently at Zenit Saint Petersburg. The second is Jamie Leweling of VfB Stuttgart. For the latter, Roma has proposed a paid loan formula of 5 million euros, with a conditional obligation to buy set at 35 million. There are currently no new developments regarding the player Gittens.
How does De Roon fit into the current squad
The arrival of De Roon gives Gasperini an experienced alternative in the defensive midfield role. The team, which started the season well by winning its first match, is looking for stability to maintain its pace in a Serie A where they already trail leaders AC Milan by three points. His presence could be especially valuable in the coming weeks, with a busy schedule that includes the match against Lecce and subsequent fixtures, all viewable on the fixtures page. The updated standings, which show Roma in second place, are always available in the standings section.
The dual De Roon-El Aynaoui operation represents a tactical adjustment to the squad ahead of the long season. While the club works on one final market move for the attack, the team can rely on a reinforced midfield, aiming to consolidate its position at the top of the league table.
