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SportsRB Leipzig signs Burnley defender Maxime Estève for €25m
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RB Leipzig has completed the signing of French defender Maxime Estève (24) from Burnley for €25 million, with the player signing a contract until summer 2031. Estève, who will wear the number 3 jersey, previously played under current Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany at Burnley, where he became a regular starter. Kompany reportedly tried to lure Estève to Munich in summer 2025. Sporting Director Marcel Schäfer praised Estève's size, athleticism, left foot, and leadership qualities. The transfer timing is surprising because Leipzig's squad is already too large; the club originally planned to sell either Castello Lukeba or El Chadaille Bitshiabu before making another signing. However, Leipzig moved quickly to secure Estève amid fears of strong competition. Estève expressed confidence in the club's clear plan for him.
Source report
RB Leipzig has completed its fourth new signing of the transfer window, bringing in French defender Maxime Estève (24) from Burnley for €25 million. The centre-back has signed a contract until summer 2031 and will wear the number 3 jersey for the Bundesliga club.
Sporting Director on the New Signing
Sporting Director Marcel Schäfer (42) praised Estève's qualities:
"He brings a lot of what we were looking for in this position: size, athleticism, a strong left foot, courage in build-up play, and the ability to defend actively forward. Maxime thinks football offensively, is strong in duels, communicative, and brings a lot of energy to the pitch."
Schäfer added:
"At the same time, he is a natural leader. He talks a lot, organizes, takes responsibility, and is also a very clear, reflective person off the pitch. This exact mix of quality, personality, and mentality fits very well with RB. We are convinced that he can help our team immediately and take on an important role with us."
Kompany Connection
Estève initially moved from Montpellier to Burnley on loan on February 1, 2024. His manager at the time was current Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany (40), under whom he immediately became a regular starter. According to reports, Kompany attempted to bring Estève to Munich in summer 2025.
Why the Transfer Happened Now
Estève commented on his move:
"RB Leipzig stands for intense, courageous football, for development, and for great ambitions. That fits very well with me. The talks with those in charge were very convincing. I felt that the club has a clear plan with me."
According to BILD information, Leipzig's leadership was concerned that strong competition could derail the deal, prompting them to act decisively. This comes despite the squad being clearly too large. Originally, the club planned to sell one of its two central defenders—Castello Lukeba (23) or El Chadaille Bitshiabu (21)—before making another move in the transfer market.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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RB Leipzig Nears €25-32M Signing of Burnley Defender Maxime Estève