Manchester United can land Castello Lukeba for €80 million in the summer of 2026
Manchester United now face a significant decision after new reports confirmed that RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba will become more accessible in the summer of 2026, with his release clause set to drop to €80 million.
According to The Athletic, the French centre-back’s clause, currently €90 million for the upcoming summer window, will be reduced a year later, a development that has already captured the attention of several top European clubs. Liverpool and Chelsea are among those closely monitoring the 22-year-old’s progress.
United had an opportunity to land Lukeba for around €60 million in the summer of 2025, a fee that will now only be possible if RB Leipzig are willing to negotiate below his formal clause. At one stage, many supporters believed Real Madrid were leading the chase for the highly rated defender, but the same report claims the Spanish giants have shifted their focus away from both Lukeba and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté.
Manchester United can land Castello Lukeba for €80 million in the summer of 2026.
The talented 22-year-old has long looked like a top talent with a big future in the game
Earlier indications suggested that a deal for Lukeba could have been completed for closer to €60 million, hinting that Leipzig might remain open to negotiation if the right offer arrives. While Real Madrid were once viewed as potential contenders, the report adds that the Spanish giants have now cooled their interest. Their recruitment focus has shifted away not only from Lukeba but also from Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté, signalling a clear change in their defensive strategy.
The Red Devils are keen to replace Harry Maguire
That shift in Real Madrid’s stance could work in Manchester United’s favour, particularly as Ruben Amorim continues to assess defensive reinforcements. With uncertainty surrounding Harry Maguire’s long-term role and persistent concerns over depth at centre-back, Lukeba ticks several tactical boxes for the new manager.
Now 22, the left-footed defender offers pace, composure and strong technical ability, especially when building play from deep. United have increasingly relied on ball-playing centre-backs who can complement Lisandro Martínez, and Lukeba fits that requirement seamlessly. His calmness in possession aligns closely with Amorim’s philosophy of controlled progression from the back.
Yet the equation is far from simple. Lukeba is still developing his aerial dominance, and although his anticipation mitigates some of those shortcomings, committing such a significant fee for a player refining key aspects of his game represents a sizeable gamble.
Competition is also expected to intensify as the summer window approaches, potentially weakening United’s negotiating position. Other Premier League clubs could accelerate their interest, particularly with Liverpool and Chelsea still keeping tabs on the Frenchman despite recent inconsistencies in their defensive units.
As a result, United’s recruitment team may attempt a structured offer closer to the previously reported €60 million figure, hoping Leipzig show flexibility. On paper, Lukeba represents a clear long-term upgrade on Maguire and aligns with the club’s rebuild.