Castello Lukeba during the match between Leipzig and Augsburg (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
Liverpool and Chelsea may be interested in RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeva’s contract release clause reportedly being reduced to €80 million next summer.
The talented 22-year-old has long looked like a top talent with a huge future in the game, and we recently reported that he has attracted the attention of Europe’s elite clubs such as Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Lukba’s future remains the subject of some speculation, with previous reports suggesting he was likely to leave the club for a fee in the region of €60 million, below his release clause.
Interestingly, Athletic have made a similar report, adding that the current clause in his contract of 90 million euros will drop to 80 million euros in the summer.
Latest information on the transfer of Castello Lukeba as an interest for Real Madrid
Lukaba may no longer be Real Madrid’s priority target, with The Athletic suggesting the Frenchman is no longer considered an option for the Spanish giants, but there are also warnings that that could change.
According to their report, Real are also no longer pursuing Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, which could mean they are looking at replacement players in central defence, although Lukaba may not be one of them.
It could be good news if LFC and CFC decide to sign Lukava, but reports suggest injuries and a decline in form have slightly dented interest in the player.
Liverpool and Chelsea need a central defender
Still, both Liverpool and Chelsea appear to need new players at the back as soon as possible.
The Reds are currently conceding a ton of goals and Virgil van Dijk looks to be past his best, while Konate is nearing the end of his contract.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have arguably not invested as much in defense as they have in other areas of the team, with Trevor Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo looking a little lackluster, and Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana both suffering from injuries.
