Liverpool have enquired about Castello Lukeba as a potential centre-back option ahead of the deadline, with a £60 million price mooted.
According to Daniel Neilson, Liverpool have made an official enquiry for the signing of Castello Lukeba. RB Leipzig could sell the defender if the Merseysiders can meet their £60 million asking price, although the player’s preference would also play a key role in negotiations.
Liverpool make Castello Lukeba move?
Only a year ago, Lyon fans were disappointed at the prospect of losing Castello Lukaba from their side as he made his move to RB Leipzig. The Frenchman was a direct replacement for Josko Gvardiol, who joined Manchester City, as the German side could be readying the idea of selling Lukeba now to the Premier League.
Lukeba was a mainstay in that Leipzig side last season, as his profile has attracted the interest of many top teams this summer. It’s important to note that the 21-year-old Bundesliga defender is at a crucial stage in his development and would want continuity over a big move elsewhere, where he would be a secondary option.
That alone casts doubts on whether a move to Liverpool has any bearing on his thinking after the Merseysiders made a late enquiry for his services. Arne Slot has been looking for a new centre-back this summer and could have identified Lukeba as a viable idea.
Liverpool and Leipzig have good relations following some business dealings over the last few seasons. Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita and Dominic Szoboszlai have all swapped the German side for the Merseyside, and Lukeba could be the next. However, Liverpool must pay over £60 million to sign the French defender this summer.
Liverpool looking for a new centre-back
While all the focus might have been on bringing in a defensive midfielder, Liverpool have been looking for a left-sided centre-back in this window. With Lukeba’s stance still unclear, they have been linked with other names as well, such as Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP, while loose rumours are hinting at an interest in Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.
Newcastle United-linked Marc Guehi is also a target for Liverpool, although the Crystal Palace star may end up joining the Magpies before the transfer deadline. Overall, Arne Slot feels there’s a shortage in that position and could make do with a young player who can eventually succeed Virgil van Dijk in the long term future.
