​Former France Under-21s defender Maxime Esteve has departed Burnley to sign with Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig. The Clarets have reportedly agreed a fee of £27.3 million for Esteve, a move that follows Burnley’s £10.2 million outlay two years ago to convert his loan from Montpellier into a permanent transfer.
Esteve, 24, enjoyed a standout spell at Turf Moor and played a pivotal role in Burnley’s 2024-25 Championship title run under head coach Scott Parker, appearing in all 46 league fixtures. The 6ft 4in centre-back first joined Burnley on loan on transfer deadline day, 1 February 2024, under the management of Vincent Kompany, and went on to make 100 appearances for the Clarets.
In recognition of his development and contributions, Burnley awarded Esteve a five-year contract roughly a year ago. However, after suffering their third relegation from the Premier League in five years, Esteve is now moving to a club that finished third in Germany’s top division last season.
As Burnley continue to reshape their squad following relegation, Esteve’s move to RB Leipzig marks a significant transition for both player and club. He will join a Leipzig side already established as one of the Bundesliga’s competitive outfits, looking to build on a strong 2023-24 campaign and compete at the highest level in Germany once again.
Details of the transfer show Burnley securing a substantial fee for a player who had become a fixture in their defence and a reliable presence in a championship-winning team. Esteve’s departure also signals another step in Burnley’s ongoing restructuring as they aim to mount a quick return to the top flight and reassert their status among England’s elite clubs.
For fans seeking the latest on Burnley’s developments, the club remains active in the transfer market as they assess options to bolster the squad for immediate competition and long-term plans. As the club continues to navigate life outside the Premier League, supporters are encouraged to follow official channels for the latest updates, insights, and fan views on how the new additions and departures will shape Burnley’s forthcoming campaign.