Transfer news: Bitshiabu leaves RB Leipzig on loan for Istanbul

El-Chadaille Bitshiabu has arrived in Istanbul to seek a fresh start at Galatasaray after struggling to establish himself at RB Leipzig. The German Bundesliga club will loan the 21-year-old center-back to the Turkish side.

Galatasaray, the club of Germany international Leroy Sané, said it would begin contract talks with the French defender. Bitshiabu was photographed at the airport wearing a Galatasaray scarf, and Turkey’s transfer window remains open until September 4.

“We had a long and difficult journey, but now we have arrived in Istanbul. I am so happy to be here. I will meet my fans and my family. I am really looking forward to seeing them,” Bitshiabu said.

Several other loan moves had fallen through before the Istanbul deal. Leipzig signed the left-footed defender from Paris Saint-Germain in summer 2023 for €15 million, but he never secured a lasting place in the team. The club also added two other center-backs, Maxime Estève and Abdoul Koné, this summer.

According to Sky, Galatasaray’s loan includes an option to buy. Leipzig would receive €2 million for the one-year loan, after which Galatasaray could make the transfer permanent for about €25 million.

“

We had a long and difficult journey, but now we have arrived in Istanbul. I am so happy to be here. I will meet my fans and my family. I am really looking forward to seeing them.