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NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Eljif Elmas of SSC Napoli stands disappointed during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SSC Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 04, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Eljif Elmas is set to leave Napoli for the second time after the club confirmed they will not exercise their €17 million purchase option, despite the Macedonian midfielder enjoying a positive season that earned glowing praise from Antonio Conte.
The 26-year-old returned to Napoli on loan from RB Leipzig last summer and made 43 appearances across all competitions, contributing a goal against Torino in March that prompted Conte to wax lyrical.
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“Let’s not forget Saint Elmas, they should build a statue of him,” the coach said at the time. “He understands football, gets into the game, is versatile and can play both as a central midfielder and as a trequartista. He is a surprising lad.”
Aston Villa ready to open talks for Elmas as Sunderland interest fails to convince
Despite the praise, Napoli’s decision not to activate the clause means Elmas will return to Leipzig before moving on to his next destination.
According to TMW, Sunderland have registered interest, though the Championship club are not considered an attractive proposition for the former Fenerbahce man at this stage of his career.
Aston Villa represent a far more compelling option. Already confirmed for next season’s Champions League, the Villans have made an initial enquiry and are prepared to open formal discussions once the season concludes. That prospect is understood to appeal considerably more to Elmas.
In total across his two spells at Napoli, the midfielder made 232 appearances for the club, a significant contribution that ultimately could not persuade De Laurentiis to meet Leipzig’s asking price.
