Chelsea told they can get €25m discount on €90m superstar

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Oct 2024 12:32 BST
• 3 min read

RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba will have a €90 million release clause next summer, but persistence could pay off for his suitors, according to German media.

The Frenchman is one of Europe's most impressive up-and-coming centre-backs, having already starred during his time at Lyon. However, rather than making a big move too soon, Lukeba joined RB Leipzig in 2023 despite reported interest from Man Utd.

It turned out to be a brilliant decision, with the 21-year-old going from strength to strength in Germany and now being regarded as one of the Bundesliga's most exciting young defenders.

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Unlike some of his peers, Lukeba largely goes about his business quietly, but his strong performances have not gone unnoticed by scouts at Europe's biggest clubs.

Lukeba's price to drop in 2026

In recent weeks, the Frenchman has been linked with Real Madrid and Chelsea and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that there is interest from both clubs without anything concrete materialising just yet.

Despite Real Madrid's injury crisis, a move in January is basically impossible, as confirmed by head coach Carlo Ancelotti. According to Sky Germany, Lukeba has a release clause in his Leipzig contract, but it will only become active in the summer.

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In 2025, the 21-year-old will have a hefty price of €90 million, which would match the world-record fee the German club fetched for Josko Gvardiol when he joined Man City in 2023.

Intriguingly, as far as Chelsea and Real Madrid are concerned, Lukeba's price will drop quite significantly in the summer of 2026. At that point, his release clause will only be worth €65m, making him a much more affordable target for suitors who are willing to bide their time.

It remains to be seen whether the promise of a €25m discount can keep free-spending Chelsea and other European giants away or whether they will simply put €90m on the table next summer.