Real Madrid keeping tabs on €40 million-rated Bundesliga defender | OneFootball

Real Madrid will enter the market for a new defensive signing in the summer of 2026, as question marks linger over the futures of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger.

Both veteran defenders have been struggling with fitness troubles over the past year and their contracts stand to expire at the end of the season, making their continuity unlikely.

As such, the Merengues intend to enter the market for at least one new centre-back before next season starts.

William Saliba had been the preferred target but is no longer an option after agreeing a new contract with Arsenal. Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is also on the agenda but does not generate total consensus within the club.

Real Madrid eyeing Castello Lukeba

Now, according to ESPN’s Rodra, Real Madrid also have theirs sights set on RB Leipzig central defender Castello Lukeba as an option.

The 22-year-old Frenchman had been on Los Blancos’ radars last year as well before he ended up signing a new contract with the German outfit until 2029.

Lukeba is on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Despite having a long-term contract in place, Lukeba remains an option on Real Madrid’s radar, given his age and potential, coupled with the fact that he already has garnered experience at the highest level. The fact that he is left-footed also stacks up in his favour.

Signing him, however, is unlikely to come cheap, considering that he will still have three years on his deal in the summer of 2026.

Meanwhile, someone like Konate, or even Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich – another potential target – can be signed for free, considering their contracts are expiring on 30 June.

So, it will be interesting to see which way Real Madrid decide to lean when the time comes, but for now, they are keeping their options open.