Burnley have confirmed the sale of their standout defender Maxime Esteve to German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig following the club’s relegation from the Premier League. The 24-year-old French centre-back departs Turf Moor after clocking up over 100 appearances for the Clarets, sealing a long-term contract with Leipzig that runs through to the summer of 2031.
Key defender departs Turf Moor
The Clarets have parted ways with one of their most dependable defenders, agreeing to transfer Esteve to RB Leipzig for a reported fee that could reach £27.3 million. The move aims to strengthen the German club’s defensive line. This transfer follows Burnley’s recent demotion from the Premier League, prompting the former Montpellier player to pursue a new challenge with the Bundesliga’s third-place finishers from last season.
Leipzig express delight at new signing
RB Leipzig’s managing director for sport, Marcel Schafer, shared his excitement about securing Esteve’s signature, describing the Frenchman as a player with an outstanding blend of physical strength, character, and leadership qualities.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Schafer said: “Signing Maxime is a hugely significant move for us. We’re thrilled to have a centre-back who, while still young, already possesses extensive experience from his time in both France and England, and who made notable progress during his spell with Burnley.
“He has all the attributes we wanted in this position: stature, athleticism, a powerful left foot, composure on the ball, and the ability to defend proactively. Maxime plays with confidence, tackles hard, communicates constantly, and injects tremendous energy into the game.
“He’s a natural leader—he talks, organises, and takes responsibility on the pitch, while off it he is thoughtful and composed. That mix of talent, character, and mentality makes him an ideal fit for RB Leipzig. We firmly believe Maxime can make an immediate impact and become a vital part of our squad.”
Esteve eager to make his mark
The 193 cm tall defender, who was previously named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year for leading Burnley to Premier League promotion, acknowledged he is inspired by the ambitious goals set by Die Roten Bullen.
Esteve said: “I’m thrilled to become an RB Leipzig player. The club represents high-intensity, fearless football, constant improvement, and big ambitions—all of which align perfectly with my mindset.
“I’ve come to Leipzig to contribute straightaway, take responsibility, and achieve success with the team. My experiences in France and England have shaped me, and I’m eager to bring those lessons and qualities to this club.
“The discussions with Leipzig were very convincing—I could clearly see there’s a defined plan for me here. I’m looking forward to meeting the squad and the supporters, and together, we aim to enjoy success in the Champions League, the Bundesliga, and the DFB-Pokal.”
Burnley face defensive rebuild
With Esteve’s departure, Burnley now face the urgent task of rebuilding their defence ahead of a demanding EFL Championship campaign. His exit marks a substantial loss, given his immense contribution—he featured in all 46 league matches during the club’s record-setting 2024-25 Championship season, helping Burnley amass 100 points, keep 30 clean sheets, and concede just 16 goals. Even in the Premier League last season, Esteve remained a key figure, making 34 appearances despite the team’s eventual relegation.
