Real Madrid closely monitors Bundesliga's €40 million defensive rock

Real Madrid is making plans to strengthen their defensive line in the summer of 2026, given the unclear status of experienced center-backs David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger.

Over the past year, Alaba has consistently struggled with fitness issues, while Rudiger has missed several key matches due to physical concerns. Both players’ contracts expire at the end of the season, and the chances of renewal are considered slim. This situation forces Los Blancos’ management to seek replacements to maintain defensive stability.

In this context, Castello Lukeba emerges as a notable option. The 22-year-old French center-back currently plays for RB Leipzig and is regarded as one of the most promising defensive talents in the Bundesliga. Lukeba’s strengths include situational awareness, speed, and confidence on the ball. Notably, he is left-footed—a rare trait that Real Madrid values highly in their defensive rebuilding plan.

In fact, Los Blancos’ management has been closely monitoring Lukeba for some time. He was on Real Madrid’s priority list last season but signed a contract extension with Leipzig until 2029. Nonetheless, the Royal Club continues to keep an eye on him because Lukeba combines long-term potential with experience at the highest level of football.

In the upcoming transfer period, Real Madrid is expected to acquire at least one center-back. William Saliba was a top target but has renewed his contract with Arsenal. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is also on the list but has not yet gained unanimous approval within the club.

The biggest challenge in signing Lukeba is the transfer fee. With at least three years left on his contract by summer 2026, Leipzig will certainly demand no less than €40 million. Meanwhile, Real Madrid might consider more cost-effective options like Konate or Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, both of whom will become free agents at the end of June.

Currently, Real Madrid has not made a final decision. Choosing between a costly young talent like Lukeba and seasoned stars nearing contract expiration will be a crucial dilemma for the Royal Club in their defensive restructuring efforts.