Bitshiabu heads on loan from Leipzig to Salzburg for a season

French centre-back El Chadaille Bitshiabu will move within the Red Bull orbit: L’Équipe reports that he is set to be loaned from RB Leipzig to FC Salzburg for one season. Trained at PSG and capped once with France at U20 level, he’s looking to reset his rhythm and earn more consistent minutes.

Loan to build experience

At Leipzig, Bitshiabu played 48 matches across the last two seasons, but his most recent spell wasn’t as productive. In 2024-2025 he managed 14 appearances, down from 28 the season before. The article frames the Salzburg move as a way to “toughen up” in Austria.

Salzburg also offers a clear sporting stage: they finished third in the last league and qualified for the next Europa League, meaning the loan comes with European exposure.

Lens pursuit didn’t happen

Before this, Bitshiabu was also linked with Lens during the summer window. But the piece adds that Lens ultimately went for Jean-Clair Todibo, also on loan, from West Ham.

So, for Bitshiabu it’s a new environment and a fresh shot at regular playing time after a quieter year in Germany, with European games potentially helping his development.