Real Madrid keeping tabs on 21-year-old Bundesliga talent: Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba for a potential transfer in the future. The Spanish giants could make a move for the Frenchman next summer.
Los Blancos have suffered multiple injuries in defense in the last few seasons. Eder Militao suffered an ACL injury at the start of last season while David Alaba suffered the same fate in December last year. The latter is still out of action. Youngster Joan Martinez also suffered an ACL injury in pre-season this summer.
Moreover, Nacho Fernandez left the club as a free agent in the summer. Hence, Real Madrid only have Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and Jesus Vallejo as their centre-backs this season so far. They were linked with a number of centre-backs in the summer but didn't sign any.
As per Marca (via Tribal Football), Los Blancos are now monitoring Castello Lukeba for a potential transfer next summer. The Frenchman has impressed in his 46 appearances for RB Leipzig since arriving from Olympique Lyon last summer. He has helped them keep one clean sheet in three Bundesliga appearances this season.
Real Madrid also sent scouts to Leipzig's 2-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on September 19 to monitor Lukeba. His contract with the German side expires in 2028 and as per Transfermarkt, his market value is €40 million.
Carlo Ancelotti on Real Madrid's unbeaten run so far in La Liga
Los Blancos are currently on a 38-game unbeaten run in La Liga, which started last season. Real Madrid lost just two matches across competitions last season - both against rivals Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. They lost 4-2 after extra time in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 in January 2024 and 3-1 in La Liga in September 2023.
Carlo Ancelotti's side haven't lost a single La Liga game since then. They are now set to host Deportivo Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, September 24. In a pre-match press conference, the Italian manager was asked about the run and he said (via Managing Madrid):
“I can’t explain it to you. For me it’s not like that, playing badly. The most striking thing is that Real Madrid, in these years, has not had a single identity. Low blocks, transitions, possession... everything. The fact that we don’t have a clear identity makes us think that we don’t have ‘a game’. And it is true. We have many.”
If Los Blancos remain unbeaten in their next six La Liga games, they will become the outright record holders with the previous one set by Barcelona at 43. They will face Alaves (H), Atletico Madrid (A), Villarreal (H), Celta Vigo (A), Barcelona (H) and Valencia (A).