RB Leipzig sign Mohamed Simakan from Strasbourg

RB Leipzig have announced the signing of France U20 international defender Mohamed Simakan from Strasbourg.

Simakan, who has enjoyed a breakout season in Ligue 1, has signed a five-year deal and will make the switch in the summer.

The Marseille native, 20, is seen as one of the long-term replacements for the departing Dayot Upamecano, who will join Bayern Munich at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

"We're happy he choose Leipzig, in spite of interest from a number of other clubs," enthused Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche. "Mohamed is still young at 20 and has plenty of potential to develop, but has already become a key player at Strasbourg."

Simakan has made 19 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this term, and is a two-time France U20 international. He is a centre-back by trade, but can also operate as a right-back and in a holding midfield role.

"I decided to join Leipzig because I believe it's the best club for my career development," he said. "I want to integrate as quickly as possible and play my part in helping the club achieve their big objectives."

Simakan will link up with 19-year-old defender Josko Gvardiol, who will return to Leipzig in the summer following a loan spell with Dinamo Zagreb.