Latest developments
- Real Madrid are evaluating defensive reinforcements for a summer move.
- Los Blancos could sign Lukeba if their pursuit of William Saliba falls short.
- RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba is also on Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United’s radar.
Whisper+ Analysis
Authenticity (4/5): A reliable source
Real Madrid are reportedly preparing to outbid Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea to sign Lukeba from RB Leipzig.
Daily Mirror reports of the interest from the Spanish giants, who are prepared to leverage their financial muscle to secure the player if circumstances allow. The source is reliable, lending a strong credibility to the rumour.
Value (3.5/5): High-stakes investment
The Red Bulls tied Lukeba to a contract extension back in October, adding a release cluse of £74.5m in his current deal that gets activated at the beginning of summer. With stiff competition for his services, the Germans are unlikely to move away from their asking price.
Suitability (4/5): Blancos material?
Lukeba is the type of defender who takes comfort in leading charge from the back. He excels in reading the game and provides the physicality any top team would be proud to possess in their ranks.
Upgrade (4/5): Incremental improvement
The Olympique Lyonnais youth product is relatively young compared to Real Madrid’s defensive stars, but certainly possesses the quality to become an important member of the squad.
Moreover, with the exception of David Alaba, Madrid lack a proper left-footed centre-back capable of dictating play, making Lukeba a key investment.
Logic (3/5): Ready for the big stage?
While Lukeba is certainly highly-rated in the transfer market, one can only speculate his growth trajectory in a club like Real Madrid, where some of the world’s best defenders ply their trade.
It would perhaps make sense for the youngster to develop further elsewhere before considering the Santiago Bernabeu as his next home.
Whisper+ Verdict: 20/25
Real Madrid's pursuit of Lukeba depends on whether or not they strike a chord with Arsenal for William Saliba. However, in case a move for Lukeba does materialise, the Blancos are poised to disrupt the European transfer landscape, landing a huge blow to the interested Premier League clubs in the process.
