Frank Christian
Real Madrid is reportedly planning to strengthen their defense for the 2025 season.
In preparation for the 2024/25 campaign, Los Blancos enhanced their forward line with Kylian Mbappe, complementing a dynamic squad that includes Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham.
Looking ahead to next season, manager Carlo Ancelotti aims to solidify the team’s defense while navigating upcoming challenges.
With Dani Carvajal undergoing knee surgery, he will be unavailable for the rest of the 2024/25 season. The club is considering England’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could become a free agent next summer.
Ferland Mendy’s recent contract extension secures the left-back position, supported by Fran Garcia. However, Ancelotti finds himself needing more options in central defense.
The departure of Nacho Fernandez has created a significant gap in the defense, especially with promising talent Rafa Marin now signed with Napoli.
David Alaba’s ongoing injury struggles raise concerns, leaving Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger as the only experienced central defenders for Ancelotti to rely on.
While midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has been called upon to fill in as needed, both Rudiger and Alaba’s contracts expire in 2026, prompting interest in RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba.
Castello Lukeba’s Contract and Market Value
The French defender Lukeba joined RB Leipzig in August 2023 after two impressive seasons with Lyon. Now at 21, he has quickly established himself as a key player in Leipzig’s defensive lineup.
His move cost Leipzig around £30 million ($39 million), securing him a contract that runs until 2029, and his market value has surged to £40 million ($52 million).
While RB Leipzig is not aggressively seeking to sell Lukeba, a reported £75 million ($97 million) release clause in his contract presents a potential pathway for his exit, according to sources from Spanish media Relevo.
This situation gives Real Madrid a distinct opportunity, as they prepare to contend with rumored interest from Premier League teams and Bayern Munich, while RB Leipzig is known for its player sales.
The interest in Lukeba comes as Rudiger nears the end of his career at Madrid, with both players showcasing similar skill sets and profiles.
During his last season in France, Lukeba excelled, leading European top leagues with 75 interceptions, a characteristic that aligns with Rudiger’s proactive defensive style.
