Arne Slot’s Liverpool have received a massive boost in their pursuit of RB Leipzig defensive sensation Castello Lukeba.
According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Castello Lukeba could end up parting ways with RB Leipzig this summer after the German giants failed to secure European football for next season. With the possibility of him being available, Liverpool have been put on red alert.
It’s a massive boost for the Merseyside club who are looking to reinforce their backline by signing the French centre-back. The Reds could soon look to knock on the doors of Leipzig to strike a deal for the 22-year-old.
Lukeba has only gone from strength to strength since joining the German club from Lyon back in 2023. The left-footed centre-back who came up the ranks at the French club has established himself as one of the mainstays at Leipzig.
While the 2024/25 season didn’t go according to plan for him as he missed a handful of games because of injury, he has massive potential and there is no shortage of interest in him. Liverpool are one of the clubs who are keen on signing the youngster.
Slot wants a new central defender
Arne Slot wants to add more quality and depth to his backline amidst uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate’s future. The Liverpool mainstay has been extensively linked with a move to Real Madrid. Even if they manage to keep hold of him, Slot could still look for a quality option to provide cover.
Lukeba could prove to be a great addition for the future and they are working on a potential transfer. While his contract at Leipzig runs until 2029 and he is protected by a massive £74 million release clause, the Reds have been given encouragement that they could strike a deal for him this summer.
The German club could only secure a 7th-placed finish in the Bundesliga, as a result, they won’t have any European football next season. This could result in the departure of some of their top stars and Lukeba is one of the players, who could look to take the next step in his career.
Liverpool could now sign Lukeba
The Reds could now have a clear path to sign him and they could even try to negotiate a lower fee with the German club.
While speaking to Football Insider about Liverpool potentially signing Lukeba, O’Rourke said: “Lukeba is on the list… he’s really enhanced his strong reputation since moving to RB Leipzig a couple of seasons ago”,
“He’s under contract until 2029 and has a £74million release clause, but Leipzig haven’t qualified for European football next season so missing Europe may help to facilitate a deal.”
Leipzig’s failure to secure European football could prove to be a massive blow for them. It could open the door for potential clubs to try and sign Lukeba. It has certainly put Liverpool on red alert and they could soon make a move.