Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market over the past several weeks. Well, the transfer window hasn't actually opened yet, but that's a credit to Richard Hughes' savvy negotiating.
Arne Slot created something special this season, but the Dutch coach is no fool, and knows the importance of strengthening whilst ahead. Liverpool have been crowned Premier League champions, and are now ringing the changes.
Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool's Premier League triumph
There's been a concerted focus on strengthening the flanks, over these past weeks: Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical, while discussions with Bournemouth for left-back Milos Kerkez are ongoing, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Liverpool enquire about new defender
Improving the defence is very much the order of the day for Slot and Co this summer but their efforts may not stop with the full-backs.
As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made initial enquiries to RB Leipzig as they consider a move for Castello Lukeba, with the left-footed defender earning Slot's nod of approval.
Though Lukeba, 22, has a €90m (£74m) release clause in his contract, FSG would be hoping to bag him for a cheaper fee. However, while Slot is personally keen on a move, Real Madrid and Manchester United are both known admirers too.
castello-lukeba
Liverpool have already made it known they would be open to signing a centre-half this summer, having failed in their bid to sign Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen, but in Lukeba, they could score the perfect fallback.
Why Liverpool want Castello Lukeba
A defensive hybrid, Lukeba is a naturally central defender, though bears an athleticism and energy that has seen him weave out onto the left flank, which is an interesting proposition for Slot to chew on.
Castello Lukeba
He's powerful, yes, but not overbearing in the backline, playing his role consummately. Lukeba missed three months of the campaign with muscular difficulties, but featured prominently across the latter phase of the year.
Liverpool will be frustrated they missed out on Huijsen, who has been regarded as a "world-class" player in the making by analysts, but in Lukeba, the dream alternative has been identified.
Leipzig have fostered Lukeba, pulled him to the fore, but now he should take the next step in his career and join the Liverpool fold. After all, he's got the balanced skill set to make Slot forget all about Huijsen.
League Stats 24/25 - Dean Huijsen vs Castello Lukeba
Stats (* per game)
Matches (starts)
Goals
Assists
Touches*
Pass completion
Key passes*
Dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Clearances*
Duels (won)*
Data via Sofascore
He might not be quite as attack-minded or silky on the ball as Huijsen, but Lukeba is still crisp and collected. Moreover, he's a veritable machine when it comes to defensive duties, so commanding in the duel.
And that's not to say Lukeba isn't good on the ball. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of centre-backs across Europe this season for passes attempted and the top 20% for progressive passes per 90.
With only four of his 23 Bundesliga outings coming from the flank, it's clear he could play the role envisaged for Huijsen, especially given both are left-footers.
AFC Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen
Analyst Ben Mattinson hailed the Frenchman's "freak profile," drawing positive awareness to the dynamic and powerful set of skills. He even went on to say that transferring to Anfield would be a "perfect move" for Lukeba, and given that Huijsen is now out of bounds, Slot must throw the kitchen sink at getting it done.
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Liverpool are moving quickly to make new signings for Arne Slot's side.