Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Chelsea closely following €40 million-rated Bundesliga defender – Romano
As has already been reported, Real Madrid will enter the market for a new, young centre-back in the summer transfer window of 2025, after missing out on Leny Yoro earlier this year.
Names like Vitor Reis and Jarek Gasiorowski have already been mentioned as possible transfer targets for the reigning champions of Spain and Europe.
Now, another name has been thrown into the mix by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who states that Real Madrid, along with several top clubs in Europe, have set their eyes on an up-and-coming young defender in the Bundesliga.
Real Madrid, Chelsea eyeing Castello Lukeba
Indeed, as per Romano, Real Madrid are very closely tracking RB Leipzig’s 21-year-old centre-back Castello Lukeba as they look to reinforce their defence in 2025.
However, Los Blancos are not alone as Premier League heavy-spenders Chelsea are also very much interested in the French Under-21 international’s services.
In fact, there has been some chatter that the Blues might be considering a move for Lukeba as early as the January transfer window.
But Romano states that it is unlikely that Leipzig would sell the youngster mid-season, especially after having parted ways with Mohamed Simakan in the summer.
Either way, Lukeba is a player who is generating quite a bit of interest and would be a player to watch out for in the summer of 2025 as Real Madrid, Chelsea, and several other clubs continue monitoring him.
Having joined Leipzig only last year, Lukeba is contracted with the Bundesliga club until 2028. And, considering how the German outfit works, the youngster will cost a significant sum if Real Madrid or any other club wish to sign him.
Considering that the Merengues are also eyeing a mammoth deal for Florian Wirtz as well, it will be interesting to see if they would have the capacity to splash the big bucks on Lukeba as well.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
