RB Leipzig are on the verge of signing Maxime Estève from Burnley in a deal worth €32million, including bonuses, according to Fabrizio Romano. The French defender is expected to complete his move to the Bundesliga ahead of the 2026-27 season, with only final payment details remaining to be agreed upon between the clubs.
Estève joined Burnley in the summer of 2023 following their promotion to the Premier League, arriving from Montpellier for a reported fee of £12million. He quickly established himself as a key figure in Vincent Kompany’s side, making 35 appearances across all competitions. Despite Burnley’s relegation to the Championship, the 21-year-old’s performances reportedly attracted significant attention from several clubs.
Alongside RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen were also understood to be monitoring the left-footed centre-back. Speculation had also linked Estève with a potential move to Bayern Munich, where his former manager at Burnley, Vincent Kompany, is now an assistant coach. However, Leipzig moved decisively to secure his signature.
Burnley will receive a substantial profit on the player they signed just one year ago, providing a significant boost to their transfer budget as they aim to secure promotion back to the Premier League. For RB Leipzig, the addition of Estève strengthens their defensive options, offering competition and depth in a crucial position. The move allows Estève to continue his development in a top European league and compete in the Champions League.
The transfer represents a significant financial outcome for Burnley following their relegation, and demonstrates their ability to identify and develop talent for resale. Leipzig’s acquisition of a young, promising defender further solidifies their position as a competitive force in the Bundesliga.
