RB Leipzig have reduced their valuation of defender Castello Lukeba from €80 million to approximately €60 million as they look to generate funds and ease financial constraints during the summer transfer window. The German club had initially hoped to trigger the Frenchman’s release clause, but with no offers forthcoming at that level, they have adjusted their expectations to facilitate a departure.
Lukeba price drop reflects financial necessity
The Bundesliga side are actively seeking buyers for the 23-year-old centre-back to raise capital and improve their financial flexibility. Although Lukeba possesses an €80 million release clause, no clubs have demonstrated willingness to meet that valuation. Consequently, Leipzig are now prepared to accept a reduced fee of around €60 million to secure his transfer.
The club’s preference remains to offload Lukeba rather than lose other key assets. However, should they fail to find a buyer for the French defender, the hierarchy would face mounting pressure to reconsider their stance on other squad members.
Diomande linked with PSG move
This revised transfer strategy directly impacts Yan Diomande, who has emerged as a target for Paris Saint-Germain. Reports suggest the Ivorian has already agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 champions, and the player himself has openly declared his openness to a summer transfer.
Despite these developments, RB Leipzig maintain that Diomande is not for sale. Sporting managing director Marcel Schäfer has restated that the club’s plan is for the defender to remain for another season. The management view Diomande as a crucial part of their squad and are reluctant to sanction his departure unless forced by financial circumstances.
Transfer dominoes await
The coming weeks will determine which defender departs the Red Bull Arena. Leipzig’s ideal scenario involves selling Lukeba at the adjusted €60 million price point, thereby removing the need to negotiate Diomande’s exit. This would allow them to retain the highly-rated Ivorian while still achieving their financial objectives.
However, if Lukeba remains unsold as the window progresses, the club may have no choice but to entertain offers for Diomande to balance their books. With PSG circling and the player keen on the move, Leipzig’s resistance could be tested should their primary exit route fail to materialise.