Sofia Quijada
Dodi Lukebakio’s name is back in the headlines, and for good reason. The Belgian forward, valued at €20 million, stood out as one of LaLiga’s most impactful players in the first half of last season. His early form didn’t just win over fans it attracted attention from top European clubs and gave Sevilla a glimmer of hope during an otherwise financially strained campaign.
Now, with preseason preparations underway, Lukebakio is set to return to Sevilla. Yet uncertainty surrounds his future. Despite his sharp performances, no major bids have landed on the table. Could he stay in Andalusia for another season? It’s a scenario the club is prepared for.
Head coach Matías Almeyda, together with sporting director Antonio Cordón, holds the keys to Lukebakio’s fate. Almeyda, who inherited the Belgian from García Pimienta’s tenure, clearly rates him he was a mainstay last season, delivering consistent, match-winning contributions that shaped Sevilla’s tactical identity.
But financial necessity casts a long shadow over planning. Sevilla’s transfer policy is driven by pragmatism: players will only be sold if offers align with their internal valuations. Cordón’s firm stance is already visible in ongoing negotiations with Napoli for Juanlu. Expect similar resolve regarding Lukebakio. As Cordón succinctly put it,
“Everything happens in the last 15 days. We have to be patient.”
That patience could pay off. Lukebakio won’t be let go for less than €15–16 million, making him a premium asset in a market still warming up. Until then, he remains an integral part of Sevilla’s setup more useful on the pitch than on the transfer list.
Almeyda awaits his return, with Lukebakio likely to feature prominently as the club builds toward the new LaLiga season. Whether a late-window move materializes or not, one thing’s clear: Sevilla aren’t in a rush, and Lukebakio’s role in their tactical engine remains firmly intact for now.