RB Leipzig sign Mohamed Simakan from Strasbourg
RB Leipzig have announced the signing of France U20 international defender Mohamed Simakan from Strasbourg.
Simakan, who has enjoyed a breakout season in Ligue 1, has signed a five-year deal and will make the switch in the summer.
The Marseille native, 20, is seen as one of the long-term replacements for the departing Dayot Upamecano, who will join Bayern Munich at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
"We're happy he choose Leipzig, in spite of interest from a number of other clubs," enthused Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche. "Mohamed is still young at 20 and has plenty of potential to develop, but has already become a key player at Strasbourg."
Simakan has made 19 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this term, and is a two-time France U20 international. He is a centre-back by trade, but can also operate as a right-back and in a holding midfield role.
"I decided to join Leipzig because I believe it's the best club for my career development," he said. "I want to integrate as quickly as possible and play my part in helping the club achieve their big objectives."
Simakan will link up with 19-year-old defender Josko Gvardiol, who will return to Leipzig in the summer following a loan spell with Dinamo Zagreb.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
Related news
Bundesliga 2, Matchday 17 overview
Kaiserslautern host promotion rivals Cologne with the winner set to finish 2024 top of Germany's second tier...
Schick's four-goal haul propels Leverkusen to victory
Patrik Schick scored four times as the defending champions kept up their pursuit of leaders Bayern with a commanding 5-1 win over Freiburg.
Who is Patrik Schick?
Find out more on the Leverkusen man who has bounced back from a slew of injuries to be decisive once more for Die Werkself...