Galatasaray add France and DR Congo centre-back El Chadaille Bitshiabu from Leipzig

El Chadaille Bitshiabu has joined Galatasaray, with the France and DR Congo centre-back moving from RB Leipzig on loan until 30 June 2027.

The 21-year-old defender switches from the Bundesliga to the Turkish top flight after joining Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain in July 2023 for €15m. He signed a contract with the German club running until June 2029 before making the temporary move to Galatasaray.

Bitshiabu has been registered as a centre-back and stands at 1.96m. The left-footed defender was born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges and represents France at international level, while also holding DR Congo nationality.

He began his youth career with ACBB before joining Paris Saint-Germain’s academy in 2017. Bitshiabu progressed through the French club’s age-group sides, moving from PSG’s under-17 team to the under-19s and then into the senior squad.

His time at PSG brought two Ligue 1 titles, won in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. He also helped France win the European Under-17 Championship in 2022.

Bitshiabu moved to Leipzig at the start of the 2023-24 season, with the €15m transfer marking his arrival in Germany after his development in Paris. His current market value is €18m.

The move to Galatasaray comes at the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign. Bitshiabu had not made an appearance in either the Bundesliga or the DFB-Pokal before leaving Leipzig, with both competitions having recorded one possible match for the club at the time of the transfer.

Galatasaray compete in the Super Lig, while Leipzig remain in the Bundesliga. Bitshiabu’s loan agreement records a return to Leipzig at its conclusion on 30 June 2027, with no permanent transfer fee specified.

The defender joins the Turkish club with experience of French domestic success and a previous move to Germany, adding another stage to a senior career that began at PSG. His latest switch was completed on 2 September 2026, as Galatasaray secured Bitshiabu from Leipzig on loan.