MAXIME ESTEVE JOINS RB LEIPZIG FROM BURNLEY FOR £27.3M

Maxime Esteve has left Burnley to join RB Leipzig of the Bundesliga. Burnley accepted a reported fee of £27.3m for the defender. Esteve, a former France Under-21s player, made 100 appearances for Burnley across all competitions. The 24-year-old centre-half played all 46 league games during Burnley's 2024-25 Championship-winning campaign under manager Scott Parker.

Esteve initially joined Burnley on loan on 1 February 2024 under then manager Vincent Kompany. Burnley made the loan permanent two years ago, paying Montpellier £10.2m for the defender. The club subsequently offered Esteve a five-year contract 12 months ago. RB Leipzig finished third in the German top flight in the previous season.

Esteve's departure follows Burnley's relegation from the Premier League, marking the club's third drop in five years. RB Leipzig acquire a defender with significant top-flight experience and a proven record in the Championship. The transfer represents one of Burnley's notable sales following their promotion-winning season.