Latest news with #CastelloLukeba
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PSG enter race for Konaté as Reds assess Bundesliga defender
Liverpool's Bundesliga Bet Continues Amid Konaté Contract Stalemate Defensive Shuffle Looms as Summer Targets Take Shape In the latest piece by reported that Liverpool's interest in Castello Lukeba signals a calculated shift. With Ibrahima Konaté's contract ticking toward expiry in 2026, uncertainty has crept into what should have been a stable centre-back unit. The looming presence of Real Madrid, known for playing the long game with Bosman deals, raises justifiable concerns. As The Times reported, Konaté is demanding a mammoth '$255,000 per week in order to sign a renewal', a figure 150 percent above his current $102,000 salary. Photo: IMAGO The Reds have been notoriously prudent with their wage structure, and Konaté's proposed rise would catapult him into the elite bracket alongside Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and potentially Florian Wirtz. It's no surprise that Liverpool 'do not hand out lucrative contracts willy-nilly', especially not for a player who, despite his talent, has endured patches of inconsistency and injury. Lukeba's Emergence and Leipzig's Uncertain Ground Lukeba's name being 'high up on Liverpool's list of potential summer targets' reflects a strategic move. Leipzig's underwhelming seventh-place Bundesliga finish might open the door, even though 'Lukeba reportedly has a $100 million buyout clause'. That fee is beyond Liverpool's appetite this summer, especially after a $39 million splash on Jeremie Frimpong and a potential club-record outlay on Wirtz. Advertisement Football Insider has suggested that the situation at Leipzig makes Lukeba's exit plausible. Aged just 21 and with composure beyond his years, the Frenchman fits Arne Slot's mould for defenders who can play, press and adapt. Whether Liverpool can negotiate a deal well below the buyout clause remains to be seen. Konaté, PSG, and a Sliding Scale of Certainty Paris Saint-Germain, Konaté's boyhood club, lurks in the background, adding another layer of complexity. At 26, Konaté is approaching his peak, but his wage demands must be matched by form and availability. With Van Dijk committed 'for two more years' and Gomez returning from surgery, Liverpool's centre-back options are more fragile than firm. Photo IMAGO Jarell Quansah, a rare shining light last term, endured a 'regressive season' this year. That adds pressure on the recruitment team to get this summer's defensive business right. Lukeba, or an equivalent, is no longer just a want — it may be a need. Morrison Interest Reflects Wider Youth Strategy While the headlines focus on Europe's rising stars, Liverpool's own academy is drawing attention. Wolves and other European clubs are reportedly circling 18-year-old Kieran Morrison. He featured heavily at youth level this season, with six goals and five assists in 27 games. Advertisement 'Morrison… was an unused substitute during a Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven', showing he is on Arne Slot's radar. Having only signed his professional contract in May 2024, Liverpool will be keen to avoid another talent slipping through their grasp. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Konaté's contract saga casts an uncomfortable shadow over Liverpool's summer. His push for $255,000 per week is not only excessive by Anfield standards, it's a gamble on a player who, while elite on his day, hasn't played like a $13 million-a-year centre-back consistently. If the club bends here, what message does it send ahead of Wirtz's arrival and future contract talks? The emergence of Castello Lukeba as a viable successor makes sense, but there are risks. Leipzig's $100 million clause is simply unrealistic unless they're willing to deal for significantly less. Even so, if Lukeba is the long-term partner to Van Dijk's heir, then Liverpool must act fast before others swoop. Advertisement The Morrison situation is another alarm bell. Losing top academy talent just after Jurgen Klopp's departure would sting. Slot needs to stamp his authority on youth development as well as first-team matters. The fact Morrison was on a Champions League bench already hints at his promise. Letting Wolves snatch him now would be a poor look. This summer is about transition and ruthlessness. Sentiment won't get Liverpool back to the top — smart deals, strategic exits, and clear leadership will.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Five Dean Huijsen alternatives for Premier League teams
Real Madrid have won the race to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, securing the coveted centre-back ahead of Premier League clubs. The Spanish side beat competition from the Premier League to land the 20-year-old, activating his £50m release clause. A number of England's elite were actively pursuing Huijsen, but will now look to alternatives in the market. We've picked out five intriguing options who could be Dean Huijsen alternatives for Premier League teams. RB Leipzig have endured a disappointing campaign to miss out on European football. That blow could lead to major sales with Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons expected to move on. Joining them could be Castello Lukeba, the latest sought-after centre-back to impress in Leipzig. The 22-yer-old has all the attributes required of a modern centre-back. He's spent time in a back four and back three, with the latter role requiring him to cover large spaces behind an attacking wing-back. Castello Lukeba is one of the centre-backs being considered by Real Madrid this summer, according to @relevo 🤩 — Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) May 11, 2025 Lukeba's athletic capabilities allow him to defend well in wide areas when required, while he's front-footed when there is an opportunity to counter-press or carry. In terms of numbers, he ranks in the top 2% of centre-backs in Europe's top leagues for attempted take-ons and successful take-ons per 90 minutes. The Frenchman has a release clause of €90m, though Leipzig would entertain offers in the region of €70m (£58.8m). Marc Guehi's reputation has been on the rise across the last 12 months. After injuries provided an unexpected key role for England last summer, he impressed as the Three Lions reached the final of Euro 2024. This season, he's again proven dependable for Crystal Palace and captained the club to FA Cup success – the club's first-ever major trophy. Palace have turned down bids of around £70m from Newcastle and Tottenham in recent transfer windows, but could be forced to cash in this summer. Guehi has just 12 months to run on his deal at Selhurst Park. 🏴🏆 No Premier League centre-back has more sliding tackles (18), passes to the penalty area (40), or key passes (7) than Marc Guéhi this season 📊 — DataMB (@DataMB_) May 18, 2025 Still just 24, and with plenty of experience leading a Premier League side, Guehi could be a smart alternative to Huijsen as a left-sided centre-back. Left-footed, comfortable on the ball, and with a attainable release clause, there's plenty of similarities between Huijsen and Piero Hincapie. The latter has attracted admirers from across Europe after four solid seasons with Bayer Leverkusen. Hincapie was part of the Leverkusen side that won a German league and cup double without losing last season and has racked up 114 Bundesliga games and 44 international caps despite only turning 23 in January. The Colombian centre-back has operated at full-back and on the left-hand side of a three-man central defence. His numbers, progressively, are particularly impressive. Hincapie ranks in the top 5% of centre-backs in Europe's top five leagues for progressive carries, crosses, and carries into the final third, and in the 93rd percentile for tackles won. His ability to stride forward has been a key part of Leverkusen's flexible system under Xabi Alonso. A move has not been ruled out with a €60m release clause in his contract. A Premier League proven option with plenty to like. Murillo has been a monstrous presence in Nottingham Forest's unexpected European qualification, with the Brazilian a fantastic find. The 22-year-old had played just 13 league games for Corinthians when Forest made their move, a £12.6m deal that has paid dividends. Our Murillo 🪨 — Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 5, 2024 He was named the club's Player of the Season in 2023/24, before forming an excellent partnership with Nikola Milenkovic this time around. Murillo leads the Premier League for clearances (236) and successful take-on percentage (78.8%) and ranks second for blocks (67). The broad-shouldered Brazilian combines strength and speed with raking long distribution and deceptively nimble footwork. Forest will want a huge offer for his services. Goncalo Inacio has been regularly linked with England in recent transfer windows. The Sporting centre-back has shone in back-to-back Primeira Liga triumphs for the Portuguese side and could move on in search of a new challenge. Inacio ranks among the top 10 players in the Primeira Liga for progressive carrying distance (1st), passes into the final third (2nd), touches (4th), progressive passes (5th) and pass completion (10th). In addition, the 23-year-old's shown his goalscoring threat with six goals across all competitions. Excellent on the ball, the measure of Inacio will come with a move to a top-five league and, perhaps, performances as part of a back four. Manchester United and former Sportin boss Ruben Amorim have been linked. Read – See more – | | | |
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Man United ‘interested' in signing Bundesliga defender in £75m deal
Manchester United's defensive frailties have been well-documented this season, with the side conceding 38 goals in 28 Premier League games. Despite recent defensive signings, reports from Sport Bild suggest that United have expressed interest in RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba as they continue their search for defensive reinforcements. Lukeba, a 22-year-old centre-back with a release clause set at £75 million, is viewed as a significant investment. His advisors are reportedly working towards securing a 'mega transfer', with several top clubs monitoring the situation. The challenge for United, however, is not just acquiring the player but whether this move aligns with their broader squad needs. United's history of big-money signings, particularly in defence, raises questions about their current approach. The £80 million acquisition of Harry Maguire stands as a cautionary tale, and with United already investing heavily in Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, and Patrick Dorgu, another high-cost defender would represent a substantial financial commitment. With cost-cutting measures reportedly in place, United's transfer policy appears uncertain. The near-sale of Alejandro Garnacho in January suggests the club is balancing financial prudence with squad improvements. Additionally, the club remains linked to high-profile attacking reinforcements such as Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres, further complicating their transfer priorities. United are not the only club tracking Lukeba. Both Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly interested, and given their current positions, they may find it easier to justify the financial outlay. While United remain a prestigious destination, their ongoing struggles both on and off the pitch could hinder their ability to secure top targets. Lukeba is undoubtedly a talented defender, but is another expensive centre-back really the answer? United have already signed multiple defenders in recent windows, yet the defensive problems persist. Is it a personnel issue, or is it deeper than that? Perhaps a more structured defensive approach under Amorim would yield better results rather than simply throwing money at another high-profile signing. Then there's the financial aspect. If United are serious about signing an elite forward like Osimhen or Gyokeres, can they realistically afford a £75 million centre-back in the same window? With the club reportedly exploring cost-cutting measures, does this pursuit even make sense? Finally, the competition from Liverpool and Chelsea complicates matters further. Both clubs have Champions League football to offer and are in stronger positions to convince top targets. If United end up overpaying just to win a transfer battle, it could become yet another expensive mistake. For now, this feels like another case of United chasing high-profile names without a coherent plan. The ambition is there, but whether this move is the right one remains highly debatable.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Premier League giants threaten Real Madrid pursuit as defensive target prepares for next move
Real Madrid are currently in their worst defensive crisis in recent times with three first-choice defenders out of action through injury. Given the current situation and also taking into account the age of the players in the department, the administration see it to be an urgent need to sign a new central defender. The Merengues tried hard to sign Leny Yoro last summer but the player eventually joined Manchester United. Now, they are willing to shell out a significant sum as an investment and Castello Lukeba has emerged as a serious option. As relayed in a recent report by BILD, the RB Leipzig defender is planning to take the next step in his career next summer and has it on his cards to sign for a new European giant. Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool are all interested in his signing and stand as potential options on his doorstep and the player must choose where he plans to offer his services next. The 22-year-old centre-back has a contract in place with Leipzig until June 2029 and his release clause stands as a hefty €90 million. As relayed last month, however, Real Madrid are willing to fork out that sum. Lukeba has garnered interest from across Europe for his stable and reassuring performances in the heart of Leipzig's defense and his numbers speak volumes about his quality. In 11 Bundesliga appearances so far this season, he has overseen four clean sheets and averages a staggering 9.6 defensive actions and 3 ball recoveries per game. For Real Madrid, Raul Asencio and Eder Militao are indeed great picks for the long-term project, but having a third name who can compete with the aforementioned duo will provide much-needed squad depth.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Castello Lukeba could be RB Leipzig's next big sale
Sport Bild reports that RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba could be their next big sale, especially if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. The Frenchman is said to be planning a transfer in the summer and wants to make use of the current release clause in his contract which is said to be worth €90m and is active in the summer. Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are the clubs that have been linked to Lukeba in recent months, but where his next step in his career will be, is still currently unknown. This season, Lukeba has struggled to match his previous form at Leipzig mainly due to injuries. The 22-year-old has only just come back from a hamstring injury which meant he missed 11 games and is still building up his match fitness. If the Lyon native is sold in the summer, he will be the joint most expensive transfer in Leipzig's history equalling the fee Leipzig received for Joško Gvardiol when he joined Manchester City in 2023. GGFN | Jack Meenan
