Manchester United will reportedly compete with Liverpool and Real Madrid to sign 21-year-old French defensive prospect Castello Lukeba from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
According to an update by reputed French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Castello Lukeba has agreed to extend his contract with RB Leipzig by a year. The French defensive prospect is the subject of interest from Manchester United. However, the Red Devils face stiff competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid for the young centre-back.
The rise of Castello Lukeba at RB Leipzig
Castello Lukeba has established himself as one of the best young players in the Bundesliga since joining RB Leipzig from Lyon in August 2023. A native of Lyon, the Frenchman spent his formative years in his hometown and graduated from the youth division at the Ligue 1 club.
The 21-year-old has turned out 50 times thus far for RB Leipzig while chipping in with one goal. Meanwhile, Lukeba’s progress at the Bundesliga club has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
A man in demand
The French defensive prospect has been on Real Madrid’s radar for a long time. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a young, left-footed centre-back to be Eder Militao’s long-term central defensive partner, with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba on the wrong side of 30. So, Lukeba has emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s interest in Castello Lukeba is understandable. Virgil van Dijk is on the wrong side of 30, while he has entered the final 12 months of his contract. Even if the Liverpool captain signs a new contract with the Merseyside club, they must sign a young centre-back who can take over from him.
As for Manchester United, the Red Devils signed two centre-backs in the summer transfer window, with Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro arriving at Old Trafford. However, with Lisandro Martinez blowing hot and cold and Jonny Evans in the twilight of his career, Manchester United can do with a promising young centre-back.
While the 21-year-old French defensive prospect has extended his contract with RB Leipzig by a year, it does not guarantee his stay at the Bundesliga club for the long haul. It will be interesting to see if any of Lukeba’s three high-profile suitors can secure his services.
