RB Leipzig signs Franse defender while Ajax loans Chelsea keeper

RB Leipzig have completed the signing of a Franse defender as Ajax secure a Chelsea keeper for the coming season. Maxime Estève, the 24‑year‑old French centre‑back from Montpellier, signed a five‑year contract with Leipzig for a reported €25 million fee. Meanwhile, 21‑year‑old Femke Liefting joins Ajax on loan from Chelsea after a spell on loan at Newcastle United. Estève, standing 1.93 m tall, arrived from Montpellier on a long‑term deal and is expected to bolster Leipzig’s back line. The €25 million transfer fee underscores Leipzig’s investment in defensive talent. Femke Liefting, a former AZ academy graduate, moved to Chelsea in January 2025 before being loaned to Ajax. The Dutch youth international has already featured for the Netherlands senior squad but is still awaiting her debut. "Femke is a talented goalkeeper who has proven her qualities in the Vrouwen Eredivisie," said technical manager Dolf Roks of Ajax’s women’s team on the club website. "She has gained valuable experience at the highest level with Chelsea and will add extra experience and quality to our squad this season."

Leipzig bolsters defence with French centre‑back Maxime Estève

Dennis Praet signed a two‑year contract with KV Mechelen after leaving Anderlecht on a free transfer. The 32‑year‑old midfielder has previously amassed 182 appearances for Anderlecht across two spells. Jorge Sánchez returned to Mexico to play for Atlas, arriving for €3 million from PAOK after a brief four‑month stint. The 28‑year‑old right‑back previously featured for Ajax, FC Porto (on loan) and Cruz Azul, and was a starter for Mexico at the World Cup. Atlas also announced Hernán Crespo as their new coach. The 51‑year‑old Argentine has previously managed Parma’s youth side, Modena, Banfield, Defensa y Justicia, São Paulo FC, Al‑Duhail, Al‑Ain and returned to São Paulo. Arsenal reached an agreement with Club Brugge to sign Greek forward Christos Tzolis for around €40 million, a record fee for a player from the Belgian league. Tzolis had previously been on loan at FC Twente before returning to Norwich City. Mika Godts, Crysencio Summerville en Anis Hadj Moussa. © Pim RasMika Godts, Crysencio Summerville en Anis Hadj Moussa. Moussa.TransferTalk ChelseaHet WK Google-favorietHet Naast Timon Wellenreuther Leo Sauer Feyenoord Duits Galatasaray Mauro Icardi• Voormalig FC Twente-speler Club Twente Ras Icardi Lig Frans Mika De Voor Ook