Football
Real Madrid Target Castello Lukeba’s £75m Release Clause Will Activate In Summer 2025
After graduating from Kingston University with an upper second-class Honours degree, I learned the ropes in sports journalism starting at Sports Mole before making my way through the ranks at the MailOnline. I started initially as a freelancer before going on to become an assistant sports editor in seven years at the company. Love football, cursed by Spurs and you can catch me watching/falling asleep to the F1 while hungover on a Sunday.
Get to know Sam McEvoy betterPublished19 Nov 2024
Real Madrid and several Premier League clubs have been put on red alert after learning that RB Leipzig starlet Castello Lukeba will be available for £75 million (€90m) next summer.
Castello Lukeba Has Caught The Eye of Europe’s Elite
The 21-year-old is one of the brightest talents in world football and is now being tracked by Europe’s elite.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the highly-rated French centre-back has a £75m release clause in his contract at Leipzig.
Romano reports that this will active next summer but the actual figure may fluctuate over time.
He also revealed that Real Madrid and a number of Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation (see below).
🔴⚪️🇫🇷 The release clause into the new contract signed by Castello Lukeba at RB Leipzig will come into effect from summer 2025.
It’s around €90m but changing from season to season.
↪️⚪️ Real Madrid and PL clubs keep monitoring Lukeba’s progress for 2025. pic.twitter.com/NWA8zvzkrK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 19, 2024
A Real Target For Madrid
After a number of standout displays in the Bundesliga for Leipzig, it is only natural that Lukeba would catch the eye of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Josko Gvardiol’s departure for Manchester City last season left a gaping hole in Leipzig’s defence but Lukeba stepped up to plug that gap.
In 32 appearances, the Frenchman helped record the t-second best defence in the Bundesliga last season, conceding just 29 goals.
It has seen Real Madrid take notice and are now looking for defensive cover following Eder Militao’s ACL injury.
Lukeba is reportedly seen as an investment for the future by Real and fits the system the club currently plays.
Should Castello Lukeba Stick Or Twist?
Lukeba only signed an contract extension at Leipzig this year and a potential bidding war could only drive his price higher.
Leipzig face a challenge fending off the likes of Real Madrid or a Premier League club if they come calling.
However, Lukeba staying at Leipzig and improving his game could be the best choice for his development.
Should Lukeba continue to shine this season, a big-money move could come sooner than we think.