Loan proposal on the table
Juventus are exploring a move to bring Eljif Elmas back to Serie A, proposing a loan arrangement with RB Leipzig that includes an option to purchase the North Macedonia international. According to Tuttosport, the Italian club value the overall deal at approximately €10 million, covering both the initial temporary move and a subsequent clause to make the transfer permanent.
The proposed structure represents a significant reduction from the €24 million Leipzig paid to sign Elmas from Napoli in 2024. The German club may prove reluctant to accept such terms, however, given that the 26-year-old’s contract runs until June 2028, leaving him tied to the Red Bull Arena for another three years.
Italian homecoming
Since completing his permanent switch to Germany, Elmas has spent the majority of his time back on loan in Italy. The midfielder, who turns 27 in September, first joined Torino before returning to his former club Napoli for a second temporary spell during the 2024-25 season.
His ability to operate across multiple positions in both midfield and attack has maintained his reputation as a versatile squad option. These qualities were evident during his previous spell in Naples, where he contributed to the club’s Scudetto triumph under Luciano Spalletti.
The Spalletti connection
Italy head coach Spalletti previously relied on Elmas’s tactical flexibility, deploying him in various roles throughout the successful title-winning campaign. That established relationship could prove significant as Juventus seek to strengthen their midfield options, though any transfer remains dependent on negotiations between the two clubs.
Contract complications
Securing Leipzig’s approval for a loan-with-option arrangement may prove challenging given the length of Elmas’s remaining deal. The Bundesliga side hold a strong negotiating position and could demand an obligation to buy rather than a simple option, or insist on a higher fee than the €10 million reportedly tabled.
Despite these potential hurdles, the North Macedonia international is understood to be open to another spell in Italian football. The coming weeks will determine whether Juventus can structure an agreement that satisfies Leipzig while bringing the experienced midfielder back to Turin on a permanent basis.