Is FC Bayern planning a top transfer this winter after all? If so, there could be competition from a top club
FC Bayern are still on the lookout for candidates for their central defense – and now a report from England is even talking about a winter transfer of Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig
According to the portal TEAMtalk, both FC Bayern and Chelsea FC are said to be examining a possible winter transfer for the 21-year-old centre-back. The Frenchman is still under contract with RB until 2029, but is said to have several release clauses. However, the transfer fee would probably have to be negotiated freely for a move in January – and that complicates the situation
RB Leipzig are unlikely to be interested in losing their main defender in the middle of the season. Lukeba is a key player for the Saxons, playing almost every game over the full distance in the Bundesliga. At the same time, Munich have stressed that the contract extension of Dayot Upamecano remains a priority. In addition, the sporting directors at FC Bayern have recently repeatedly stated that they are not planning a new winter signing
An immediate winter transfer of Lukeba would therefore come as a surprise and would be rather difficult to assess
Lukeba is said to be open to a move to FC Bayern
It is no secret that Lukeba remains an interesting candidate in principle. A report by transfer insider Sacha Tavolieri recently raised eyebrows: Lukeba is said to be very positive about a move to FC Bayern. „He loves Bayern,“ explained Tavolieri, referring to information from the player’s camp. Particularly explosive: initial talks between Max Eberl and the player’s side are said to have already taken place. The sporting director knows Lukeba well from their time together in Leipzig and appreciates his profile
According to Sky, the French U21 international is one of the candidates should Upamecano not extend his contract. Lukeba would then be an immediate successor option. His release clause is reportedly currently around 80 million euros, but will drop to 65 million euros in 2027
There had already been speculation in the summer, and Lukeba remains in demand internationally. Real Madrid are said to be keeping an eye on the defender, while several Premier League clubs are also considered potential buyers. For Bayern, the advantage remains that Lukeba already knows the Bundesliga, has matured as a leader in Leipzig and has a profile that fits Vincent Kompany’s style of play.