Rabat – RB Leipzig have opened negotiations with Strasbourg over a potential transfer for Morocco international Samir El Mourabet, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.
The Bundesliga side have identified El Mourabet and his Strasbourg teammate Diego Moreira as two priority targets before the summer transfer window closes.
Leipzig officials are reportedly convinced by both players’ potential and believe their profiles fit the club’s strategy of recruiting young players with room for further development.
Talks between Leipzig and Strasbourg have already started to determine whether agreements can be reached for the pair. Foot Mercato added that both El Mourabet and Moreira are interested in the possibility of moving to Germany, although negotiations remain ongoing and no agreement has been announced.
El Mourabet’s situation could prove particularly difficult for Leipzig because Strasbourg have him tied to a long-term contract. The French club extended his deal in November 2025 until June 2030, giving them a strong negotiating position and removing any immediate pressure to sell.
No transfer fee has yet been reported.
El Mourabet’s rapid rise at Strasbourg
Born in Strasbourg, El Mourabet developed through the club’s academy and signed his first professional contract in May 2024. He subsequently established himself in the first team during the 2025-2026 campaign and became a regular presence in midfield.
His progress also extended to European competition. One of his standout moments came in November 2025 when he scored Strasbourg’s winner in a 2-1 UEFA Conference League victory over Crystal Palace, finishing from close range in the 77th minute. Strasbourg later progressed to the semifinals of the competition before being eliminated by Rayo Vallecano.
The midfielder has also broken into Morocco’s senior national team. Foot Mercato lists him as having earned nine caps for the Atlas Lions, further increasing his profile following his breakthrough season in Ligue 1.
Leipzig’s interest fits the German club’s long-standing recruitment model, which has frequently focused on young players capable of developing into major first-team assets.
The German side are also pursuing Moreira, the 22-year-old Belgium international who operates primarily as a wing-back or wide player. Like El Mourabet, he is reportedly open to the move. Moreira remains under contract with Strasbourg until 2029.
Strasbourg must now decide whether to consider offers for two important young players in the same transfer window. For El Mourabet, the opportunity would represent a first move away from his hometown club and the chance to continue his development in the Bundesliga.
