Elif Elmas back in RB Leipzig training as transfer rumours continue

Elif Elmas has returned to RB Leipzig's pre-season work after spending the second half of last season on loan at Napoli, and the midfielder appears to be making the best of his situation as transfer rumours continue to swirl. Reports around 03.08.2026 linked him with Juventus — whose coach Luciano Spalletti is said to want him — and with a possible return to the Turkish league.

On-field form, off-field speculation

Leipzig had not given Elmas many opportunities before his loan to Napoli, and his long-term standing with the club and the terms of his contract have been widely debated. Turkish outlets have repeatedly mentioned interest from Beşiktaş and Trabzonspor, while Italian coverage has tied him to Juventus; according to those reports the financial side — both Elmas’s demands and any fee RB Leipzig might seek — would not be a barrier.

Despite the transfer noise, Elmas has been present in RB Leipzig’s summer training camp and has shown positive signs on the pitch. The club posted a training image captioned “Winning” and highlighted a goal he scored during practice on their social channels, a brief reminder that the player remains part of Leipzig’s immediate preparations.

For Elmas, the summer is shaping up as a balancing act: maintaining form with his current club while his future is discussed across several leagues. His recent activity in training and the shareable moments the club published suggest he is approaching the period with focus and professionalism.

Whether the next step will be a move to Serie A, a transfer back to Turkey, or a fresh start at Leipzig remains unclear. For now the 23-year-old (born 1999) is doing what players must do to keep options open: train hard, score when possible and let the market decide.

Photo: press material from the event