According to Foot Mercato and RMC Sport, young centre-back Castello Lukeba (20) has requested that Olympique Lyonnais president John Textor open negotiations with RB Leipzig. Having allegedly sent several offers since the start of the summer window, the Bundesliga side now want to make progress with this deal.
After two seasons as a professional with his boyhood club, Lukeba wants to explore a new adventure, reaching new levels of competition and playing continental football. He had an agreement with previous president Jean-Michel Aulas that in case of a suitable offer, which suits all three parties, then Lyon would let him leave.
The last offer sent by Leipzig rises to €32 million but has been deemed insufficient by Les Gones. Reportedly, another offer could be €30 million, with €5 million in add-ons as well as the loan of midfielder Ilaix Moriba. Reports indicate that Leipzig are ready to send another offer of €35 million, with 15% of the resale fee to be sent to Lyon.
Leipzig in a position of financial strength, having sold Christopher Nkunku, Dominik Szoboszlai and recently Josip Gvardiol to Premier League sides, and for hefty sums. The Croatian joined Manchester for €90 million this week.
Last month, new executive president Santiago Cucci told L’Équipe that Lukeba and Bradley Barcola were important to the project at the club and that the board was “counting on them”. After impressing in a Lyon shirt, particularly in the second part of the 2021-2022 season, as well as with the France U21 squad Lukeba’s time with OL could, however, be up.
