RB Leipzig shut door on January transfer of Congolese defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu

German outfit RB Leipzig have decided against the January transfer of France-born Congolese defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu.

Despite his limited game time, the highly rated centre-back has continued to attract interest, particularly from the Premier League, where a loan move had been viewed as a logical step in his development. However, for now, Leipzig have made their position clear.

According to transfer insiders, several English clubs have been monitoring Bitshiabu’s situation closely. Even so, reports from BILD indicate that Leipzig’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Marcel Schäfer, have internally agreed to block all winter departures, with Bitshiabu not permitted to leave the Saxony club during the January transfer window.

Although the 20-year-old is currently considered third choice behind Willi Orban and Castello Lukeba, Leipzig’s autumn campaign underlined how quickly injuries can disrupt a squad and the importance of having reliable depth. This reality has strengthened the club’s resolve to keep Bitshiabu as part of their defensive options for head coach Ole Werner.

Bitshiabu recently missed four matches due to a thigh injury and only returned briefly in the final game of the year against Bayer Leverkusen. In the weeks ahead, he is expected to challenge for a starting role with strong training performances.