RB Leipzig have submitted a €24 million bid for Burnley defender Maxime Estève as they seek to reinforce their backline for the Champions League. However, the Championship club value the 24-year-old Frenchman at between €35 million and €45 million, creating a substantial gap in negotiations.
According to Sky Germany and journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the deal cannot progress until Leipzig secure the departure of either Castello Lukeba or El Chadaille Bitshiabu. Neither centre-back has attracted concrete offers yet, leaving the transfer on hold despite Estève being open to the move and discussions centreing on a contract until 2031.
Relegation prompts exit interest
Estève joined Burnley from Montpellier HSC in February 2024 and established himself as a mainstay, starting all 36 of his appearances during the 2025-26 season. The Montpellier-born stopper, who has earned one cap for France’s Under-23 side, was unable to prevent the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship.
The prospect of competing in Europe’s premier club competition appears to be driving Estève’s interest. Leipzig secured qualification via a third-placed Bundesliga finish, offering the 1.93-metre defender an immediate return to top-tier continental football. Personal terms are understood to be straightforward should the clubs agree on a fee.
Squad planning in Saxony
Leipzig’s pursuit of Estève is directly linked to the likely departure of Lukeba, who is attracting interest from several elite European clubs. The Saxon side are also preparing for the possible exit of Bitshiabu, meaning any incoming transfers remain dependent on outgoing sales.
For Burnley, accepting the current offer would secure a substantial profit on their investment just 18 months after acquiring the defender. Yet losing such a consistent presence would create a significant void as they aim for an immediate return to the Premier League.