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Manchester United target Castello Lukeba is likely to stay at Red Bull Leipzig this summer as his release clause is significantly higher than first thought.
The French centre back has enjoyed a fruitful first season in Germany, playing 37 games in all competitions for his new side.
Such has been the 21 year old’s form that he has already been linked to a big money move to Manchester United.
The Red Devil’s defence has been a nightmare this season, as even lowly Sheffield United were able to score two goals in a 4-2 win for the Old Trafford side last night.
Numerous injuries and poor form of many defenders has resulted in INEOS deciding that central defence is a key area to bolster in the upcoming transfer window with names such as Jarrad Branthwaite, Gleison Bremer, and Ronald Araujo all mentioned.
Lukeba was also recently linked to a move to Old Trafford.
It was reported that United have been monitoring him for weeks.
It was stated that the defender also has a release clause of €70 million which is only valid from 2025.
However, recent reports suggest the clause is currently significantly higher.
Sky Deutschland state that thanks to “clever negotiations” Lukeba is in fact, “likely to leave for a fixed €90 million in 2025”.
“If Lukeba’s clause is not triggered by then, for example, there would still be €65-70 million as an exit option in the contract in 2026”.
“This prevents the player from seeing Leipzig as just a stopover and leaving immediately – at the same time, Leipzig is securing a rain of millions in the event of a departure. The player, in turn, is assured of clauses. Win-win”.
Lukeba is certainly a talent and has been described as a player with “a unique style of play that will leave him perfectly equipped for a successful career. It’s hard to keep your eyes off him, but there are plenty of clubs that could use a centre back like him”.
However, with such a price over his head and Leipzig clearly unwilling to negotiate, it seems that United or any interested club may need to wait until 2026 at the earliest to secure a reasonable deal for the centre back.
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