RB Leipzig join race for one of 2008's most valuable defenders
| Matteo Palma for Udinese. | Photo: Maurizio Lagana / Getty Images. |
RB Leipzig are already looking towards the summer transfer window, with an exciting defensive prospect reportedly on their radar. According to Sky, the Bundesliga side have identified Udinese youngster Matteo Palma as a potential addition to their backline.
The 18-year-old Berlin-born centre-back has quickly made a name for himself in Italy, earning regular first-team minutes this season. Palma has made seven competitive appearances for Udinese, scoring once, and currently boasts a market value of €8 million (according to Transfermarkt). That makes him one of the most valuable centre-backs in the world born in 2008.
Interestingly, Palma is no stranger to German football. The defender came through Hertha BSC's academy before moving to Udinese in 2022. He also represented Germany at U16 and U17 level before opting to play for Italy internationally just recently.
Leipzig could certainly use some “fresh blood” at the back. Castello Lukeba is attracting interest from several European heavyweights, while veteran Willi Orban's contract is approaching its expiry. Palma is reportedly one of several names on the shortlist as the Bundesliga club prepare for a potential defensive overhaul.
