Real Madrid see defensive target’s €65 million release clause as a hurdle – report

At this point, it has become abundantly clear that Real Madrid will enter the market again next summer for reinforcements at centre-back.

David Alaba looks poised to leave as a free agent at the end of the season, with his contract expiring and a renewal unlikely. Antonio Rudiger could also find himself in the same boat, considering his fitness problems.

As such, Real Madrid will try to sign a new defender, with several names already being shortlisted as potential candidates – one of whom happens to be RB Leipzig star Castello Lukeba.

€65 million release clause an issue

Now, according to Defensa Central, Lukeba’s agent has reached out to Real Madrid to present the French defender as an option for the club for the next summer.

However, as per the report, the 22-year-old centre-back has a release clause worth €65 million in his contract at RB Leipzig, which Real Madrid see as an obstacle.

Castello Lukeba has a €65m release clause. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Lukeba signed a new contract with the Bundesliga club last year, committing to them until 2029. So, negotiations over a lower transfer fee will be unlikely, and as things stand, Real Madrid do not wish to meet his release clause amount.

After all, the Merengues have other options on their table such as Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, and Marc Guehi, all of whom will be available for free in the summer with their current contracts at their respective clubs expiring.

So, for Lukeba to secure a move to Real Madrid in the summer, he must convince RB Leipzig to lower their asking price for him.

But, at the moment, everything suggests that the Spanish capital giants will be pursuing the signing of Konate on a free transfer, given the good relationship they enjoy with the Liverpool defender’s representatives.