Galatasaray bring towering Leipzig defender Bitshiabu in on loan

El-Chadaille Bitshiabu arrived in Istanbul to complete his move to Galatasaray, greeted at Atatürk Airport by media members and supporters of the Turkish club. The 21-year-old French center-back traveled from Germany on a private flight.

“I am very happy,” Bitshiabu said after landing. “I hope we can achieve very big things together here. I am looking forward to meeting the Galatasaray family and the fans.” He waved to supporters before leaving the airport in a waiting vehicle.

Galatasaray said it had reached an agreement with RB Leipzig and started formal negotiations with the German club and the player for a temporary transfer. Bitshiabu is expected to undergo a medical examination before signing his official contract. The loan is scheduled to run until June 30, 2027.

Reports in Türkiye put the loan fee at about 2 million euros. They also say Galatasaray will have an option to make the transfer permanent for a fee in the region of 25 million to 30 million euros. Bitshiabu remains under contract with Leipzig through June 2029.

Born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France, Bitshiabu is a 1.96-meter left-footed defender who can also play on the left side of the defense. He developed at Paris Saint-Germain, made his first-team debut as a teenager and recorded 14 Ligue 1 appearances across the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. He joined Leipzig in July 2023 in a reported 15 million-euro deal and has made roughly 38 Bundesliga appearances, with about 48 appearances in all competitions.

His playing time has varied in Germany, although he enjoyed a more consistent role during the 2024-25 season. Galatasaray see the move as a way to add defensive depth, physical presence and a defender capable of playing out from the back as the club prepares to defend its domestic title and compete in the Champions League.

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I am very happy. I hope we can achieve very big things together here. I am looking forward to meeting the Galatasaray family and the fans.