Between their joint debut at OL in 2021, where they will have experienced the social elevator to the A to the point of becoming indisputable each in their role, and their very recent call-up to the Blues, therefore, in October 2023, Malo Gusto and Castello Lukeba have remained clinging to their ambitions, and today the fruit of their labor is showing. Respectively transferred to Chelsea last winter for around €35 million, and to Leipzig this summer for €30 million, the two players trained at OL adapted in the blink of an eye to their new environment.
Performances which therefore earned them – partly thanks to a combination of circumstances, in this case the packages of Jules Koundé then Axel Disasi – to join the France group. And obviously, the two players were very well received, as is often the case for novices: “We already knew it but there is a very good atmosphere. The group lives well and knows each other very well. I have been very well received here, and am very happy to be part of the group. I hope there will be other gatherings now”confided the Chelsea side for Téléfoot.
OL well represented among the Blues
Obviously, if their departure left a bitter taste with OL supporters, who wanted to see them stay for at least one more season, this new double call-up will not leave people indifferent in the Rhône. A way of recalling OL’s undeniable know-how in talent detection. Moreover, Lukeba did not fail to mention his training club when talking about his first steps: “We are both very happy because we had the chance to play together at OL since we were very young, and now we are reunited in the French team. I hope that we can now play together (Gusto had his first selection on Friday against the Netherlands, not Lukeba), but in any case it’s already something great to be here (…) My call-up? I didn’t expect it at all, I came home in the evening and was told that I was going to join the A’s. I didn’t really believe it but in the end I’m very happy. As I entered the castle, I realized it was true”
For the anecdote, Gusto also told the story behind the scenes of learning about his friend’s call-up to the Blues: “How did I learn of Castello’s summons? After the first training session on Monday, I headed back towards the castle. In the Clairefontaine complex, I saw someone with their big belongings going there toosays the 20-year-old full-back. At first, I didn’t know who it was at all, but as I got closer, I saw that it was Castello. I said to him “but what are you doing with your big things here?”. He told me that he was also selected and that he was joining me. I thought he was joking but ultimately no, I’m happy.» Now, and as with every new kid, the objective is to win their subscription to Clairefontaine. Obviously with the idea of participating in Euro 2024 next summer in Germany in mind.
