Manchester City are reported to be exploring a move for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba in order to address their defensive issues.
The Citizens emerged as 3-0 winners against Palermo on Saturday evening in their final pre-season game, and they will take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 16 in their opening fixture of the Premier League season.
Head coach Pep Guardiola has added significantly to his squad this summer, with the likes of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri arriving at the Etihad.
City also made several additions in the winter, but despite the numerous incomings in 2025, the club are said to still be in the market for a defender.
Fichajes claim that the club have entered into early talks with RB Leipzig for Lukeba, who is seen as part of the team's long-term future.
Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig on August 15, 2024 [on August 15, 2024]
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City finished third last term and missed out on the Premier League title for the first time in five seasons, with many of the side's issues stemming from their defensive vulnerability.
Guardiola's team conceded 44 times in 2024-25, a tally they have not exceeded since 2009-10, when they conceded 45 goals.
The decline of players such as Kyle Walker, who was a key part of City's defence for a number of years, contributed to their failings at the back.
Rodri's knee injury also weakened the team from a defensive perspective in midfield, and the Citizens struggled to deal with counter-attacks.
Given that the Spanish midfielder could take time to fully recover after missing months of action, as well as the fact he is currently injured, City's back four must be able to hold their own.
Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig during his side's game against Freiburg, on October 26, 2024
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Lukeba prefers to operate as a left-sided centre-back, and he has shown immense promise as a channel defender, something that could be useful for City when facing counter-attacks.
The 22-year-old won 65% of his ground duels in the Bundesliga last season - Virgil van Dijk won 62% of his ground duels in the Premier League in 2024-25 - as well as 65% of his aerial duels.
Lukeba is an adept passer and is strong when carrying the ball forward, and the Frenchman would almost certainly strengthen Guardiola's chances of winning the title.
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