Maxime Esteve has completed his departure from Burnley, signing for German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in a deal worth a reported £27.3 million.

The 24-year-old centre-back leaves Turf Moor after making 100 appearances for the Clarets, having been one of their most consistent performers. Burnley originally signed him from Montpellier on loan in February 2024, under then manager Vincent Kompany, before making the transfer permanent for £10.2 million a year later.

Esteve was rewarded for his development with a five-year contract, but that deal has not been enough to keep him at the club following Burnley's third relegation in five years from the Premier League.

A Championship campaign to remember

The former France Under-21 international proved instrumental in Burnley's 2024-25 Championship title run under manager Scott Parker, playing every single one of the 46 league fixtures. Standing at 6ft 4in, the commanding defender was central to a backline that powered the club back to the top flight.

Despite the promotion, Esteve now trades the second tier for one of Europe's leading clubs. RB Leipzig finished third in the Bundesliga last season, and the move represents a significant step up in ambition for the French defender.

For Burnley, the £27.3 million fee offers some financial consolation following their latest relegation, nearly tripling the £10.2 million they invested in securing Esteve permanently just two years ago.