RB Leipzig has signed 24-year-old French center-back Maxime Estéve from FC Burnley. The 6'4" defender has signed a contract until 2031 and is expected to strengthen Leipzig's defense. The transfer fee is reported to be up to €30 million. Leipzig currently sits in 3rd place in the Bundesliga with 0 points (0-0 goals).
Estéve, nicknamed "Steve," brings experience from the Premier League and Ligue 1. He made 50 appearances for Burnley and 59 for Montpellier in France's top flight. RB Leipzig's sporting director Marcel Schäfer praises Estéve's "courage in build-up play and ability to defend actively forward."
Estéve is expected to bolster Leipzig's defense with his height, athleticism, and strong left foot. Schäfer describes him as a "natural leader" who takes responsibility and organizes the team. With squad number 3, Leipzig hopes Estéve will have better luck than his predecessors.
Estéve is Leipzig's fifth signing of the summer. However, with Castello Lukeba and El Chadaille Bitshiabu already in the squad, one of them may leave. Leipzig's next match is away at Eintracht Frankfurt on February 20, 2027. Meanwhile, Viggo Gebel is currently sidelined with an injury.
Estéve is the first transfer approved by new head coach Martin Demichelis. The Argentine has already signed four other players since taking over in the summer. With Estéve, Leipzig aims to stabilize their defense while Gebel recovers.
