Reported Liverpool target Castello Lukeba is set to be on the market this summer as the Reds look to further bolster their defence.
They may have already secured the signature of Jeremy Jacquet ahead of the off-season, but Liverpool could still need to account for the departure of Ibrahima Konate as well.
Konate is continuing in contract discussions with the Reds as his agreement speeds towards its conclusion, and while fans are split on whether the Frenchman should be signed up again, German journalist Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that RB Leipzig’s Lukeba is keen to finally get his big move.
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Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool FC looks on after the match with Galatasaray
Credit: Burak Basturk/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images
Lukeba available for £60m
Lukeba has been linked with Liverpool plenty of times over the past 18 months, with the Reds clearly holding an interest in the 23-year-old.
With a new centre-back still potentially in their sights this summer, Plettenberg took to X on Wednesday to report that Lukeba is likely to be available for even less than his £69m release clause.
“Castello Lukeba is open to taking the next step in the summer,” he says.
“Several top clubs are closely monitoring the 23 y/o left-footed centre-back from RB Leipzig. His release clause is €80m [£69m], though Leipzig could be willing to sell for around €70m [£60m]. Contract valid until 2029.”
Castello Lukeba walks out ahead of the DFB Cup match against FC Magdeburg at the Red Bull Arena
Photo by Inaki Esnaola/Getty Images
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“Max Eberl is still a big admirer and has been monitoring him for FC Bayern, but a move currently appears unrealistic (Kim, price, etc.).”
Liverpool still in discussions with Konate
Just as Plettenberg was declaring news of Lukeba’s likely departure, Liverpool fans were given an update on the status of Konate and a possible extension at Anfield.
As journalist David Ornstein reported on The Athletic FC Podcast, there is seemingly some hope that the Reds’ No. 5 may still stay put this summer.
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Arne Slot ahead of Galatasaray v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League
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“I think there’s constructive conversation around that one,” he said.
“I do think there’s a will on both sides, player and club, to try and find an agreement. It’s not there yet, but the conversations, from what we hear, are continuing and are pretty cordial.”
A decision will have to be made one way or another on Konate in the coming weeks. If the 26-year-old signs on, there is no need for Liverpool to take advantage of Lukeba’s availability. Should a gap open up, however, the ‘tough-tackling‘ Leipzig man could certainly become an option to fill it.
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