Galatasaray have strengthened their defence with the loan signing of El-Chadaille Bitshiabu Kathibuyi-Ndenga Ngana. The 21-year-old French centre-back joins from RB Leipzig and will wear the yellow-red shirt until the end of the 2026-2027 season.
The club announced the transfer on Tuesday, September 2, 2026, via its official Twitter account and the Corporate Disclosure Platform (KAP). According to a report by Fotomac, the deal includes a 2 million euro loan fee and a 28 million euro purchase option. Bitshiabu will receive a net fixed salary of 2 million euros for this season. The purchase option is at the club's discretion.
Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek commented on the signing. Özbek said, "I welcome him. I think this is an important transfer for Galatasaray. He is a young brother of ours." The president wished the player success in both the Champions League and the league, stating he would serve the club for many years.
Who is Bitshiabu?
El-Chadaille Bitshiabu was born on May 16, 2005, in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France. The player is of Democratic Republic of Congo origin and began his career at the ACBB youth academy. He later moved to the Paris Saint-Germain academy. He played for PSG at U17, U19, and first-team levels. In the summer of 2023, he transferred to RB Leipzig for 15 million euros.
During his three seasons in Germany, he made 48 appearances for Leipzig. The centre-back accumulated 2403 minutes of playing time and received 2 yellow cards. Bitshiabu will take his place on Galatasaray's squad page.
What did the player say?
The new signing expressed his happiness at joining the yellow-red community. Bitshiabu said, "I want to say I am very, very happy. I am very happy to be at Galatasaray. Many thanks to Galatasaray." He said he hoped to play without injury and achieve victories. He added that he would soon meet the fans and sign victories together. He also thanked the club president and the fans.
What is the cost of the transfer?
The financial details of the agreement are clear. Galatasaray will pay RB Leipzig 2 million euros to loan Bitshiabu. If they wish to make the move permanent at the end of the season, they must pay 28 million euros. This option depends on the club's choice. The player will receive a net fixed salary of 2 million euros for the 2026-2027 season. This transfer adds a significant item to the club's defensive budget.
What is Galatasaray's current situation?
The transfer arrives as Galatasaray solidifies its leadership position in the Süper Lig. The team is first in the league with 7 points from 3 matches. Their recent three-match form is WWD. They have scored 9 goals and conceded 4, for a +5 goal difference. However, as can be seen on the injuries page, G. Guvenc and R. Leao are sidelined with injuries.
Bitshiabu's arrival is considered a timely move given these absences. The team's next league match is at home against 7th-placed Rizespor on December 6, 2026. The team's fixtures schedule intensifies before this encounter. Defensive depth is necessary to handle this schedule. Bitshiabu's contract will expire at the end of the 2026-2027 season.
