Real Madrid News
Real Madrid target shielded by a €90m release clause next summer, will drop to €65m in 2026
Florian Plettenberg has revealed an important update regarding RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, a young player who is on Real Madrid’s radar.
The 21-year-old centre-back, who has gained attention from several top clubs, has a release clause that will drop to €65 million in the summer of 2026. This change in his contract makes him an appealing option for clubs looking to strengthen their defence.
Interestingly, though, he will not be leaving RB Leipzig during the winter transfer window because the Bundesliga side is not interested in selling the defender, and Lukeba himself is content with his current position at the club.
Having joined RB Leipzig last summer, he is in no rush to move, and the club’s plans do not involve losing such a valuable player mid-season.
However, it must be noted that after the current season, a release clause of €90 million will become active, meaning clubs interested in his services will need to be prepared for that higher fee.
Real Madrid’s interest
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are monitoring Lukeba closely as part of their long-term plans to reinforce their defence. The Spanish giants are drawing up a list of potential signings, and Lukeba has made it onto that list.
Though there are mixed opinions on whether they will make a move in the upcoming January transfer window, some argue that the club could explore other temporary options in case they feel the need for reinforcements earlier.
For what it is worth, Real Madrid are not the only ones interested in Lukeba. Premier League club Chelsea, known for their big spending, are also eyeing the young French international.
Despite the interest from these top clubs, the report makes it clear that Lukeba will remain with RB Leipzig for now. If Real Madrid do want to secure his signature in the future, they will have to be patient and may need to act swiftly once the summer of 2025 approaches.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid relationship with Ballon d’Or organisers improving after major fallout – report
Real Madrid’s relationship with the Ballon d’Or suffered a spectacular fallout a couple of seasons ago during the saga involving Vinicius Junior.
However, according to MARCA (h/t Madrid Zone), relations between Madrid and the Ballon d’Or organisers are slowly improving and veering towards normality again.
Madrid and Ballon d’Or rebuilding relationship
The dispute erupted around the 2024 ceremony after Madrid learned that Vinicius Junior would not win the Ballon d’Or, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri ultimately receiving the award.
Madrid reacted strongly, deciding not to send their delegation to the ceremony in Paris despite several representatives being expected to attend.
The decision turned what should have been a celebration of Madrid’s successful season into a major controversy.
The club’s absence also made clear that the disagreement extended beyond disappointment over one individual award.
Relations subsequently became extremely strained. Now, however, the situation appears to be changing.
A significant change after 2024
For Madrid, rebuilding the relationship does not mean forgetting what happened.
The club felt strongly about the treatment surrounding the 2024 ceremony, particularly after Vinicius had been widely viewed inside Madrid as deserving of the prize.
However, remaining in a permanent dispute with one of football’s most prestigious institutions offers limited benefit.
Madrid routinely have players competing for the biggest individual honours in the sport.
Maintaining a functional relationship with the Ballon d’Or organisers is therefore the more practical position.
It is a work in progress to return the relationship to where it was before the 2024 controversy, but a first step is always good news.
A player like Kylian Mbappe is in the running to win the Ballon d’Or this year, and it would be important to mend fences ahead of a potential accolade.
Tensions beginning to ease
The important development is simply that the relationship is moving in a more positive direction.
It is significant considering how publicly and dramatically Madrid distanced themselves from the ceremony two years ago.
Ultimately, the understanding that the Ballon d’Or is an award decided by voting would help resolve a lot of this controversy.
There is absolutely no doubt that Vinicius Junior deserved to win the award in 2024 for the season he had, but that is in the past.
Madrid do not need to forget, but it is important that they mend fences with the organisers ahead of potential accolades for their superstars in the coming years.
