The Bundesliga side moves closer to securing Strasbourg’s versatile midfield engine, targeting the technical 20-year-old to anchor Martín Demichelis’s ambitious squad rebuild and long-term European vision.
RB Leipzig have taken another step towards strengthening their midfield, with Strasbourg's Samir El Mourabet reportedly reaching an agreement on personal terms with the Bundesliga club.
According to Foot Mercato, the 20-year-old has agreed to join Leipzig this summer. The two clubs must now negotiate a transfer fee, meaning the deal is not yet complete.
El Mourabet has emerged as one of Strasbourg's most interesting young players after breaking into the first team on a regular basis last season. The Moroccan international made 48 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice and providing three assists. He also gained valuable European experience, featuring in nine of Strasbourg's 12 Conference League matches during their 2025/26 campaign.
His profile is particularly interesting for Leipzig because he offers the combination the club have traditionally valued: youth, technical ability and room for significant development.
At just 20, El Mourabet is not expected to arrive as a finished product. Instead, Leipzig appear to see him as a player who can develop within their system while eventually becoming an important first-team option.
The move would also fit into a broader recruitment strategy at Leipzig this summer. The club have been looking for young players with high ceilings while trying to rebuild their squad under Martín Demichelis. El Mourabet's ability to operate in midfield and contribute further forward gives the coach another versatile option.
However, Leipzig's interest in Strasbourg does not end with El Mourabet.
The Bundesliga side are also pushing for Diego Moreira, with reports suggesting they have already reached a verbal agreement with the 22-year-old. That could make negotiations particularly complicated, with Leipzig potentially trying to sign two of Strasbourg's key young players in the same window.
Moreira and El Mourabet also represent different but complementary profiles. Moreira offers pace, directness and creativity from wide areas, while El Mourabet is more comfortable operating centrally and linking midfield with attack.
For Leipzig, securing both would represent a significant investment in young talent.
The immediate obstacle is the transfer fee. El Mourabet is contracted to Strasbourg until 2030, meaning the French club are under no pressure to sell and can demand a substantial fee for one of their emerging assets.
That gives Strasbourg considerable leverage in negotiations.
For Leipzig, the fact that El Mourabet has already agreed personal terms is nevertheless an important step. The player appears convinced by the move; the remaining question is whether the two clubs can find common ground.
After a breakthrough season in France, El Mourabet now appears ready for the next step in his career.
Leipzig could be that destination - but they still have to finish the deal.
