Leeds United and West Ham in mix for RB Leipzig player – Came through PSG system

El Chadaille Bitshiabu has been short of game time at RB Leipzig this season, which has encouraged clubs to feel they can take him.

Leeds United and West Ham are emerging as candidates to do just that, with the Whites also linked in December.

The youngster arrived at the German club from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 after showing a lot of promise. Despite the player having just turned 18 a couple of months earlier, and having very limited experience, RB Leipzig paid around €15m.

He played only 21 times in the Bundesliga last season. So far in the current campaign, he’s had three league appearances and two in the DFB Pokal, totalling 200 minutes.

This situation is attracting attention from multiple clubs. Today’s Quotidiano Sportivo covers interest from Italy and elsewhere.

Bologna want to sign a new centre-back this month. They have lost Jhon Lucumi to injury and are seeking a replacement. While they have a host of names on their shortlist, initial contact has been made for Bitshiabu.

The outlet also speaks of interest from Leeds United, West Ham, Bournemouth, AS Monaco and Lyon. The list of suitors is growing, largely because of how little the 20-year-old is playing at Leipzig.

Such competition would likely see Bologna drop away, with the Serie A side looking for a cheap and easy deal to see them over the next few weeks.

Leeds United and West Ham would be looking to future

Interest from West Ham and Leeds United is complicating things. The Whites and Hammers can have an opportunity to land the Frenchman, especially if the German side sign a new defender as replacement.

Given Bitshiabu can’t get minutes at RB Leipzig, it’s very unlikely he’d be thrown into a relegation battle by Leeds United or West Ham. Should interest from either club be genuine then it’s surely on a longer term basis. That would mean a permanent transfer, and it may be a situation to revisit in the summer.