The German giants are eyeing a January swoop for the €35 million-rated Moroccan starlet, aiming to bolster their midfield with his proven European pedigree and World Cup experience.
RB Leipzig have not given up on their interest in Samir El Mourabet after failing to sign the Strasbourg midfielder during the summer transfer window.
The Morocco international was one of Leipzig's targets before the start of the season, with the German club holding discussions with Strasbourg in August. El Mourabet was reportedly open to the possibility of moving to the Bundesliga, but Strasbourg ultimately decided that they wanted to keep the 20-year-old.
The Red Bulls eventually looked elsewhere and completed the signing of another Moroccan midfielder, Neil El Aynaoui, from Roma. That move did not end the club's interest in El Mourabet, however, with the midfielder remaining on their list of potential targets.
A January move could now become possible if Die Roten Bullen decide to return for him. Any deal would require a big investment, though, with Strasbourg reportedly valuing El Mourabet at around €35 million.
The midfielder is also tied to the French club for the long term. His current contract runs until June 2030, giving Strasbourg little pressure to sell and putting the French side in a strong negotiating position.
Breakthrough Season In Strasbourg
El Mourabet has developed through Strasbourg's academy and made the step into professional football after signing his first senior contract.
His breakthrough came during the 2025-26 campaign, when he became a regular member of the first team under Liam Rosenior. The midfielder made 48 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as an important part of Strasbourg's squad.
His performances in Europe also helped raise his profile. El Mourabet scored four goals in the Conference League and gained valuable experience during Strasbourg's European campaign.
That progress soon translated to the international level.
El Mourabet became part of Morocco's senior setup and was selected for the country's 2026 World Cup squad. Morocco went on to reach the quarter-finals, giving the young midfielder the opportunity to experience a major international tournament at just 20.
His rapid development has naturally attracted attention from clubs outside France, with Leipzig among those continuing to monitor his situation.
Leipzig Still Watching
The summer showed that the Red Bulls were willing to explore a deal for El Mourabet, even though Strasbourg ultimately kept their player. The club's decision to sign El Aynaoui instead means there is no immediate need to return to the midfielder, but their previous interest has not disappeared.
For El Mourabet, another season of regular football at Strasbourg could further strengthen his position in the market.
For Leipzig, the question is whether they will be prepared to meet Strasbourg's valuation if they make another approach. With a contract running until 2030 and growing international experience behind him, El Mourabet is unlikely to be an inexpensive signing.
For now, the midfielder remains in Strasbourg. But RB's interest has survived the summer, leaving the door open for another move when the transfer window reopens.
