El Chadaille Bitshiabu is the latest young French player to swap Paris Saint-Germain for RB Leipzig. - © IMAGO/Crystal Pix

bundesliga

RB Leipzig sign teenage defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu from Paris Saint-Germain

18.07.2023

RB Leipzig have signed centre-back El Chadaille Bitshiabu from Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year contract through to June 2028.

Bitshiabu, who only turned 18 in May but already stands at 6'5", had been part of the PSG youth system since the age of 12. He made his senior debut in December 2021 aged only 16 years and 213 days, meaning he is the youngest player ever to represent the Parisians in a competitive fixture.

"El Chadaille is one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe, and we're proud that he'll now be playing for RB Leipzig," said Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl on announcing Die Roten Bullen’s new No.5.

"He's incredibly quick, strong in the air and tackles, and assured in build-up play. As a left-footer, he's the perfect fit for the profile we're looking for," Eberl continued. "But he's still a very young player who's now taking the step to a new country and new league. El Chadaille will get the time he needs with us to settle into the club and team, so he can then take the next step in his performances and help us with his strengths."

The France U19 international made a total of 19 senior appearances for PSG. This included last season's UEFA Champions League last-16 defeat to Bayern Munich, where he was a half-time replacement for ex-Leipzig man Nordi Mukiele.

Bitshiabu follows an already long line of young French players that Leipzig have nurtured and moulded into top-class players. Christopher Nkunku and Jean-Kevin Augustin have previously made the move from PSG to the Red Bull Arena, while fellow defenders Dayot Upamecano, Mohamed Simakan, Ibrahima Konate and Mukiele all arrived at Leipzig at a young age and flourished.

El Chadaille Bitshiabu made his UEFA Champions League debut against Bayern Munich in the 2022/23 round of 16. - Alex Grimm/Getty Images

"I'm very happy to be a part of RB Leipzig from now on," Bitshiabu said. "The club enjoys an excellent standing in France. On the one hand thanks to its sporting success, but also because young players can develop at the highest level here. Max Eberl and the bosses explained this special and enticing path to me, which excited me from the start. I can hardly wait to prepare for the new season with the team."

The defender is the sixth major summer signing for Leipzig, following Lois Openda, Christoph Baumgartner, Benjamin Sesko, Nicolas Seiwald and Fabio Carvalho – whose combined average age is under 22 – as they again build a young and exciting squad.

The two-time defending DFB Cup holders are off to their pre-season training camp in Italy shortly before opening their campaign on 12 August in the Supercup away at Bayern Munich. Leipzig then kick off their Bundesliga season away at Bayer Leverkusen a week later. They will discover their opponents for the Champions League group stage – which could include PSG – on 31 August.