As Real Madrid search for answers to their defensive woes, reports are emerging that the club is considering a move for RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba.
Despite having three senior centre-backs in Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and Jesus Vallejo, the Spanish giants have been forced to get creative this season, with Carlo Ancelotti often deploying Aurelien Tchouameni out of midfield to cover the position. The lack of depth has been particularly apparent in the few minutes since Jesus Vallejo’s lack of game time, leading to claims that Real are left with no choice but to bolster their defensive ranks.
It’s no secret that Real have been on the hunt for a new centre-back, with their primary target Vitor Reis, an 18-year-old Palmeiras talent, deemed too young and right-footed for the job. However, Castello Lukeba’s left-footedness and impressive start to the season have made him an attractive option.
The 21-year-old French defender has yet to put a foot wrong since joining RB Leipzig from Lyon in the summer of 2023, featuring in every single minute of their Champions League matches against Atletico Madrid, Juventus, and Liverpool. His rise has been rapid, with some pundits hailing him as the ‘next Josko Gvardiol’, the Austrian defender who joined RB Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2021.
Lukeba’s impressive form has not gone unnoticed, with multiple Premier League sides, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United, all reportedly taking an interest in the Frenchman. However, Real Madrid appear to have moved to the front of the queue, with the Spanish giants willing to meet the €90 million (£75 million) release clause in his contract.
With Lukeba’s new deal running until 2029, it appears that RB Leipzig are open to negotiating a structured payment deal, a strategy they employed to keep hold of Dani Olmo, who moved to Barcelona in a complicated deal that included multiple installments.
For Real Madrid, the pursuit of Lukeba represents a rare opportunity to bolster their defense, a team that remains the backbone of their success. With a plethora of ins and outs in the offing, Madrid fans can only hope that this one sticks.
