Real Madrid News
Real Madrid target’s €90 million release clause will activate in summer 2025 – Romano
Castello Lukeba, a highly talented young defender at RB Leipzig, has been attracting significant attention from major European clubs, including Real Madrid.
Now, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a release clause in his contract will become active in the summer of 2025, valued at around €90m, though this figure may fluctuate over time.
He also mentions that both Real Madrid and Premier League clubs are closely monitoring Lukeba’s progress, eagerly anticipating the chance to sign him in 2025.
A target for Real Madrid
At just 21 years old, the French centre-back has quickly become one of the standout defenders in the Bundesliga. His consistent performances at Leipzig have established him as one of the brightest talents in European football.
Real Madrid, in particular, see Lukeba as an ideal fit for their future sporting ambitions. For that matter, Florentino Perez, the club’s president, has expressed his belief that his qualities align with the club’s long-term vision.
Lukeba has continued to develop since joining Leipzig, impressing with his defensive strength, speed, and ability to distribute the ball effectively.
His all-around game makes him a highly sought-after player, and his style is in line with the demands of top-tier football.
Future uncertain
Lukeba, who signed an extension this year, has found the right environment to continue his growth, but the prospect of a move to Real Madrid could offer him the chance to take his career to even greater heights.
Real Madrid, always on the lookout for young, strategic additions to their squad, view Lukeba as a potential future cornerstone of their defence.
His blend of technical skill and tactical awareness fits perfectly into the playing style that has made Real Madrid one of the most successful clubs in the world.
Leipzig are well aware that retaining Lukeba may prove challenging, especially given the persistent interest from a club of Real Madrid’s stature.
With the 2025 transfer window approaching, negotiations are expected to intensify, and Leipzig will likely aim to secure the best possible financial deal for one of their brightest young stars.
Bernardo Silva was one of Real Madrid’s headline signings last summer. The Portuguese midfielder arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City and appeared destined to become the creative successor to Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the middle of the park.
Indeed, with the club having not signed a new central midfielder, many within Real Madrid saw the veteran star as a solution to the issue.
Manager Jose Mourinho made him a starter from the very beginning in pre-season, but not in his usual role on the right. Instead, he deployed his compatriot as a deep-lying playmaker in the midfield double pivot.
A change in circumstances
Silva failed to have the expected influence when operating in a deeper role in midfield in the chances he got.
Combined with the emergence of Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return to fitness, the Portuguese international has now lost his place in the starting line-up and dropped to the bench.
Bernardo’s situation became particularly striking against Villarreal this past Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu, when he did not play a single minute.
Limited opportunities under Mourinho
Bernardo has played six matches for Real Madrid, starting three and coming on as a substitute in another three.
He did not feature against Villarreal or Elche, while his only appearance in the last three matches was a little over 10 minutes against Atletico Madrid. He was not used regularly by the Portugal national team during the international break either.
Across Real Madrid’s eight La Liga fixtures, Silva has accumulated just 282 minutes of playing time.
The Champions League now presents another opportunity for the former Manchester City captain, who has yet to make his European debut for Real Madrid this season.
He missed the match against Inter Milan because he was still serving a suspension carried over from his time at the Etihad Stadium last season.
It remains to be seen whether Mourinho will give him an opportunity against AS Roma in the coming week.
For now, the midfielder’s reduced playing time suggests that the Portuguese coach has lost some of his faith in a player who arrived with high expectations after leaving Manchester City.
