Overview
- RB Leipzig announced the transfer of 24-year-old Maxime Estève from Burnley on a five-year contract running to summer 2031, with the player passing his medical and joining the squad.
- The club and sporting director Marcel Schäfer highlighted Estève's size, left foot, athleticism, bravery in build-up and leadership as the reasons he fits Leipzig's playing style.
- Published reports differ on the fee: Sky put the price at €25 million plus bonuses while other outlets reported a package of up to €30 million, with Leipzig not disclosing full terms.
- The move is reported to be the first signing approved by new head coach Martin Demichelis and follows Estève's development at Montpellier and a regular role at Burnley.
- Estève's arrival creates a surplus of young French centre-backs, notably Castello Lukeba and El Chadaille Bitshiabu, which makes at least one outgoing transfer likely as Leipzig finalizes its defensive roster.