Man United, Real Madrid 'among clubs set to battle' for £75m centre-back this summer

The 22-year-old signed a new long-term contract with Leipzig last October, but his deal includes a release clause of €90m (£75m), and it is understood that he could be on the move at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

According to Bild, a number of clubs are keeping a close eye on his situation, with Man United in the hunt alongside Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool, but there could be more interest at the end of the season.

The report claims that Lukeba is ready to make the move to a major club, and the centre-back is hopeful that his release clause will be activated this summer.

The defender has had his fitness issues this season, recently missing a chunk of action due to a hamstring problem, but he has represented his German club on 18 occasions in 2024-25.

Man United, Real Madrid 'among clubs keen on Lukeba'

Lukeba made the move to Leipzig from Lyon in August 2023, and he has represented the German side on 59 occasions, scoring once, including 43 outings in the top flight of German football.

Man United are expected to allow both Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans to leave on free transfers this summer, while Lisandro Martinez is likely to be out for the remainder of 2025 with a serious knee injury.

The Red Devils added Ayden Heaven to their squad in January, but the 18-year-old is a player for the future, and it is understood that the club want to sign another centre-back this summer.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are in desperate need of a centre-back, particularly considering their ongoing injury problems in that area.

David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao are all currently on the sidelines through injury, and there are concerns over the former, who recently spent more than a year out with a serious knee problem.

Which team are the favourites for Lukeba?

Man United famously beat Real Madrid to the signing of Leny Yoro from Lille last summer, but not too many teams come out on top when going head-to-head with the Spanish and European champions.

The Red Devils are likely to move for another centre-back this year, but it is difficult to imagine them paying out €90m (£75m) for a player in that area of the field, as there are more pressing concerns.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, need to strengthen in the middle of their defence over any other spot, and Carlo Ancelotti's team will have money to spend this summer, making them the clear favourites for his signature.

Written by

Matt Law