RB Leipzig Completes Signing of Castello Lukeba from Lyon

RB Leipzig Signs Castello Lukeba from Lyon

RB Leipzig has successfully signed their desired player, Castello Lukeba, following the departure of Gvardiol and the injury of Bitshiabu, both defenders.

Bundesliga club RB Leipzig has secured their desired player, Castello Lukeba. The 20-year-old defensive player, who was previously with Olympique Lyon, will now join the DFB-Pokal winners.

RB Leipzig had to dig deep into their pockets after tough negotiations to secure the left-footed player. It is rumored that a fee of over 30 million euros plus bonuses was paid. Lukeba has signed a contract with Leipzig until June 30, 2028. "Despite being only 20 years old, he has already made significant progress in his development and is one of the top defensive talents in Europe," said Max Eberl, RB Leipzig's sporting director.

Defensive Personnel Needs

The French U21 international was considered the top choice for Leipzig's central defense following Josko Gvardiol's move to Manchester City. RB Leipzig still needed defensive reinforcements as Marcel Halstenberg (Hannover 96) and Abdou Diallo (Paris Saint-Germain/loan end) left the club, and new signing El Chadaille Bitshiabu is recovering from a long-term knee injury.

With Lukas Klostermann also returning to team training only last Wednesday after a long injury layoff, coach Marco Rose will have only four fit defenders available for the Supercup final against Bayern Munich on Saturday (August 12, 2023, 8:45 PM/Sky, Sat.1) at the Allianz Arena. Lukeba will not be an option for that match. "Next week, the league already starts, and it's important for me to settle in quickly so that I can help the team on the pitch," he was quoted in an RB statement.

Lyon Raised the Transfer Fee

Lukeba arrives in Saxony with the experience of 58 Ligue 1 appearances. The young French international had long been in agreement with RB Leipzig, but Lyon kept increasing their demands for the transfer fee. With this signing, the potential acquisition of Dutch international Lutsharel Geertruida seems to be off the table. RB had been negotiating with Feyenoord Rotterdam and the defender, but the Dutch club also demanded more money, which ultimately led to the breakdown of the talks.

RB Leipzig is still in search of a player for the left-back position as a backup for David Raum. "We are still keeping our eyes open, but it's not a necessity," said Rose.