The rumours have been around ever since the winter transfer window, and the news has now been confirmed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano through his Twitter account. Strasbourg centre-back Mohamed Simakan will be joining RB Leipzig in the summer.

The two clubs have reached an agreement regarding the transfer, and the transfer will be announced after the player returns from injury. Medicals for the player have been completed and the final green light will be given once the player returns from injury for good.

Confirmed and done deal. Mohamed Simakan joins RB Leipzig on a permanent deal – he’s gonna sign until June 2026. Medicals completed and ‘green light’ after the injury. The deal will be official in the next days. 🇩🇪🔴 #RBLeipzig #transfers https://t.co/jEe1LvQywt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 21, 2021

The injury sustained was back in January, when the player a knee injury in the 1-0 win against Lens in Ligue 1. The knee has required surgery, and is set to be completely alright in the coming few days.

The French centre-back is set to join Leipzig on a permanent deal until 2026. Simakan is expected to be the direct replacement for Dayot Upamecano in the RB Leipzig squad since his compatriot’s transfer to Bayern Munich at the end of the season was announced a few months ago.

Mohamed Simakan was originally the main target for AC Milan, with Chelsea also rumoured to be in the race for the player. However, the final decision will now not only affect Milan’s plans for a new centre-back, but also throw Chelsea’s plans for a new defender into an unexpected turn.