theglobalsun – Former France Under-21 defender Maxime Esteve has left Burnley to join Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. Burnley have agreed a reported £27.3m transfer fee for the 24-year-old centre-back. The move comes two years after Burnley paid Montpellier £10.2m to make Esteve’s loan permanent.
Esteve became an important player at Turf Moor after initially joining the club on loan. The 6ft 4in defender arrived from Montpellier on transfer deadline day on 1 February 2024. The move was completed under then-manager Vincent Kompany as Burnley strengthened their defensive options.
After making his loan move permanent, Esteve continued to establish himself within Burnley’s defence. He eventually made 100 appearances for the Clarets across competitions. His performances earned him a five-year contract extension from Burnley 12 months ago.
Esteve played a particularly important role during Burnley’s 2024-25 Championship-winning campaign. He appeared in all 46 league matches under manager Scott Parker. His availability throughout the season made him a consistent presence in Burnley’s successful promotion campaign.
The defender’s performances also contributed to his increased transfer value. Burnley originally paid £10.2m to secure his permanent signing from Montpellier. The reported £27.3m fee from Leipzig represents a significant increase on that original investment.
Esteve now leaves Burnley after the club suffered another Premier League relegation. It was Burnley’s third relegation from England’s top division in five years. The defender will instead join a Leipzig side that finished third in the Bundesliga last season.
The move gives Esteve an opportunity to continue his career in Germany’s top division. He previously developed in France before moving to England. His return to German football will now provide another challenge at a club competing near the top of the Bundesliga.
Esteve Joins Third-Place Leipzig After 100 Burnley Appearances
Esteve’s time at Burnley began with a loan move in February 2024. He quickly became an important part of the squad after arriving from Montpellier. Burnley subsequently decided to make the transfer permanent after assessing his performances.
His 100 appearances for Burnley underline his importance during his time at the club. The centre-back was involved during both Premier League and Championship campaigns. His most significant season came in 2024-25, when he played every league match during Burnley’s title-winning campaign.
Playing all 46 Championship matches demonstrated Esteve’s consistency and availability. Burnley secured the league title under Parker and returned to the Premier League. Esteve’s defensive contribution made him an important part of that successful campaign.
Burnley subsequently rewarded his progress with a five-year contract. However, the club’s latest relegation has now been followed by Esteve’s departure. Leipzig have taken advantage of the opportunity to bring the defender back to Germany.
RB Leipzig finished third in the German top flight last season. The club therefore offers Esteve an opportunity to compete for a team operating near the top of the Bundesliga. His experience in England should also provide another dimension to his development.
At 24, Esteve remains relatively young for a centre-back with 100 senior appearances for Burnley. His physical profile, experience and international background give Leipzig another defensive option. His previous involvement with France’s Under-21 side also adds international experience to his career.
The reported £27.3m transfer fee represents a substantial financial return for Burnley. The Clarets paid £10.2m for Esteve two years ago after his initial loan spell. His development and performances have therefore increased his value significantly during his time at Turf Moor.
