Liverpool are reportedly plotting an offer of around £50-55m for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba.
CaughtOffside reports that the Reds are positioning themselves as frontrunners to sign Lukeba who is one of Europe's brightest defensive talents. They are keen to seal a cut-price deal for the 22-year-old, who wants to continue his development at Champions League level.
Leipzig's failure to qualify for the European competition next season has put several of their stars' futures in doubt. Lukeba is one of them despite sitting on a long-term deal which expires in 2029.
Liverpool In Pole Position To Sign Lukeba
There is confidence at Anfield over a potential transfer
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Arne Slot is thought to view Lukeba as a "key part of Liverpool's defensive rebuild" and there is optimism a deal could be a deal can be done below the €90m (£77.7m) a price that was largely symbolic.
There was an agreement that a transfer could occur for a significantly lower fee depending on the circumstances, such as the buying club. A £50-55m figure could be enough to tempt the Bundesliga giants to sell and the player's desire to join will be important.
Lukeba's stock has grown at Red Bull Arena and he's got all the traits that could be a good fit for Slot's backline. A left-footer, he has an agile and pacey profile that has many of Europe's big clubs keeping tabs.
Castello Lukeba (Bundesliga 2024-25)
Appearances:
Interceptions:
Tackles per game:
Balls recovered per game:
Clearances:
Total duels won:
Liverpool have already started building on their Premier League title-winning campaign with three big signings. Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have arrived at Anfield.
There have been departures, with Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving for Real Madrid after his contract expired. A similar situation could arise over Ibrahima Konate, whose current deal is up next summer and Los Blancos reportedly view him as another superstar free agent opportunity.
Interest in Lukeba, branded a "monster defender" could be growing amid the uncertainty over Konate's future. He may also be viewed as Jarell Quansah's replacement following the English centre-back's move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Marc Guehi is another defender who has been the subject of growing speculation over a potential Anfield move. There are even suggestions that talks are advancing for the Crystal Palace centre-back.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 05.07.2025
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