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El Chadaille Bitshiabu to Galatasaray, Done Deal
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- El Chadaille Bitshiabu to Galatasaray, Done Deal
(REUTERS)
RB Leipzig have found a late solution for El Chadaille Bitshiabu , with the French centre-back set to join Galatasaray on loan.
A full agreement has been reached between the two clubs, with the deal including a purchase option. Bitshiabu is expected to travel to Istanbul today, with his medical scheduled within the next 24 hours before the transfer can be officially completed.
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The move comes after Leipzig had been working on a loan departure for the 21-year-old throughout Deadline Day. A proposed move to RC Lens had previously been discussed, but that deal ultimately fell through, leaving Leipzig searching for an alternative destination. Galatasaray have now stepped in and moved quickly to secure the defender.
Bitshiabu joined RBL from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 for a reported €15 million and was viewed as a long-term defensive investment. The 1.96-metre centre-back arrived in Germany with considerable potential, having already made his Ligue 1 debut as a teenager.
His development in Leipzig, however, has been slower than initially expected.
After an injury-hit first season, Bitshiabu earned a more regular role during the following campaign, featuring 28 times across all competitions and starting 19 matches. His involvement dropped again last season, when he made just 14 appearances, including 11 in the Bundesliga.
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The loan therefore allows the young defender to restart his development somewhere he should have a clearer path to regular football.
For Die Roten Bullen , the structure of the agreement is equally important. Unlike the proposed Lens loan, which was being discussed without a purchase option, Galatasaray's deal gives the Bundesliga club the possibility of generating a permanent transfer in the future.
It also continues what has been an extremely busy final day at Leipzig.
The club have already completed the signing of Marc Guiu from Chelsea , while Neil El Aynaoui is expected to complete his move from Roma after travelling to Germany. At the same time, Conrad Harder has joined Strasbourg on loan and several other players remain involved in late negotiations.
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Bitshiabu's departure now provides another piece of clarity for Martín Demichelis as Leipzig finalise their squad.
The defender has not featured in either of Leipzig's first two Bundesliga matches this season, making a loan increasingly logical for all sides.
For Bitshiabu, Galatasaray represents a chance to turn potential into consistent senior football.
For Leipzig , it is another opportunity to give a young player the minutes he needs while retaining control over his long-term future.
The deal is not officially completed until the medical and paperwork are finished, but barring any late complication, Bitshiabu will be heading to Istanbul.
