The new center-back that is in Xabi Alonso's sights

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UEFA Champions League

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Real Madrid Man City

10/12/25 21:00:00

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Real Madrid continues to work on strengthening its defense for the upcoming season, and a new candidate has emerged in Xabi Alonso and Florentino Pérez's list of options: Castello Lukeba.

The leadership of the merengue team has its sights set on the French center-back from RB Leipzig, who is performing at a high level in the Bundesliga. He is seen as a market opportunity after withdrawing from the race to sign Ibrahima Konaté.

Real Madrid and its roadmap to renew the defense

Real Madrid's search intensifies due to the contractual situation of several experienced defenders, including Rüdiger and Alaba. With their contracts ending and their continuity not guaranteed, the board is keen to preempt any scenario. Xabi Alonso supports the idea of adding a left-footed central defender capable of quickly adapting to the team's competitive rhythm.

Castello Lukeba fits that profile. At 21, he has been a regular for RB Leipzig and remains one of the Bundesliga's most highly-rated young defenders. His twelve appearances at the start of the season confirm his progress in a demanding system with broad responsibilities in both distribution and anticipation. The coaching staff sees his blend of power, reading of the game, and speed as an attractive option for rotation.

Castello Lukeba and Madrid's economic scenario analysis

Castello Lukeba's contractual situation requires any interested club to carefully study the deal. His release clause stands at 90 million, a figure that Real Madrid considers beyond their current strategy, which focuses on more restrained negotiations or even on free opportunities in 2026. However, the possibility of Leipzig negotiating around 60 million opens up a new scope for discussion.

This evaluation is shared by several English clubs such as Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle, who have been monitoring the Frenchman for months. The competition compels Real Madrid to analyze carefully, especially since the board's priority is to assess Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano before making a final decision. If Upamecano were to leave Bayern, the relationship between Max Eberl and Leipzig could facilitate Lukeba's transfer to a new destination.

The white club and its commitment to the future

Real Madrid's defensive planning aims at young talents capable of providing short-term balance and solidity in the cycle that begins with Xabi Alonso. In this context, Castello Lukeba stands out as a candidate who could complement Militao and Huijsen, two players the coach deems essential for the upcoming project.

Real Madrid values the fact that the French center-back is contracted until 2029, as it ensures competitive stability and a broad margin for his development. At the same time, the club recognizes that the Bundesliga offers an ideal environment for growth, something that could be transferred to LaLiga upon his arrival. The club's scouting has been ongoing for months, evaluating reports on the defender, and believes there is ample room for his progression. The tactical demands at Leipzig and the pace of German football enhance his maturity, a vital aspect according to Xabi Alonso to face the upcoming Champions League.

Real Madrid understands the strategic importance of this decision. Should any of the veterans depart, the club will need a reliable, young defender with increasing stature. Thus, Castello Lukeba remains on the list of alternatives, especially in a competitive market where opportunities are scarce.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El nuevo central que está en la mira de Xabi Alonso