RB Leipzig are prepared to sell defender Castello Lukeba for a fee of €60 million, according to Kicker. The Bundesliga club are seeking to raise transfer funds during the summer window and are willing to accept a figure below the player’s €80 million release clause.
Lukeba, 23, joined Leipzig from Lyon last summer for a reported €34 million and quickly established himself as a key figure in Marco Rose’s side, making 31 appearances across all competitions. He featured prominently as Leipzig secured Champions League qualification with a fourth-place finish in the Bundesliga. However, the club now appears willing to cash in on the centre-back to bolster their financial position.
The potential sale of Lukeba could have ramifications for the future of Yan Diomande. Should Leipzig fail to offload the Frenchman, it would reportedly increase pressure on the club to reconsider their stance on Diomande, who has been linked with a move away from the Red Bull Arena. Diomande has publicly stated his desire for a summer transfer, with Paris Saint-Germain frequently mentioned as a potential destination.
Despite Diomande’s openness to a move and reports suggesting personal terms have been agreed with PSG, RB Leipzig sporting managing director Marcel Schäfer recently affirmed the club’s intention to retain the Ivorian winger for another season. This apparent contradiction highlights the club’s need to generate funds through player sales, potentially making Lukeba’s departure a catalyst for further movement in the transfer market.
The willingness to accept €60 million for Lukeba suggests Leipzig recognise the current market conditions and are prioritising financial stability. A successful sale would provide Rose with greater flexibility to strengthen other areas of the squad ahead of the new season, while also demonstrating the club’s ability to generate revenue from player trading. This move could allow Leipzig to maintain a competitive squad without exceeding their budgetary constraints.
