Latest news with #Lukeba
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Liverpool Target £75m Move for RB Leipzig Defender
Liverpool have long searched for a naturally left-footed centre-back, an asset that could transform Arne Slot's build-from-the-back philosophy. While Virgil van Dijk's excellence has masked this gap, the lack of depth in the defensive line remains a concern. Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are the obvious first-choice pairing, but behind them, options look thin. Joe Gomez's persistent injury issues and Jarell Quansah's inexperience could leave the Reds vulnerable, especially with Van Dijk's contract situation still unresolved. According to Sport Bild, Liverpool have identified RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba as their primary summer target. The 22-year-old French defender has a £75 million release clause, and his talent has already attracted interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid. United's interest stems from Lisandro Martinez's long-term injury, while Madrid reportedly considered Lukeba last summer but balked at the release fee. Despite a recent injury setback that saw him miss 14 games between November and January, Lukeba has featured 18 times this season and is steadily returning to peak form. His left-footed ability, pace, and composure on the ball make him an ideal fit for Arne Slot's possession-based style. With Manchester United and Real Madrid in the mix, Liverpool must act decisively. As Sport Bild reports, 'The release clause stands at £75 million, and Leipzig won't negotiate lower.' Competition for Lukeba could drive up the price, but the Reds' need for defensive depth is pressing. Liverpool's pursuit may also hinge on Virgil van Dijk's future. With his contract extension still unresolved, the Reds cannot afford to delay fortifying their backline. Liverpool fans will see Castello Lukeba as a strong, forward-thinking target. His youth, talent, and natural left-footed ability could provide balance and complement Arne Slot's tactical blueprint. Given the team's struggles with defensive depth, supporters will likely embrace a £75 million investment if it secures a long-term partner for Konate. However, concerns remain. Lukeba's recent injury spell is a red flag for a team already plagued by fitness issues in defence. Additionally, with competition from Manchester United and Real Madrid, the club must act swiftly and decisively. In our view, if Virgil van Dijk's contract situation drags on, this deal becomes even more critical. It could be a statement signing for the post-Klopp era, signalling that under Arne Slot, Liverpool are serious about rebuilding their defence for the future.
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
14-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Man United rival Liverpool for transfer of 22-year-old with €90m release clause
Manchester United are reportedly the latest club to show an interest in the potential transfer of . The talented young Frenchman has been hugely impressive in his time in the Bundesliga after previously coming through at Lyon, and it looks like he could be on the move again soon. According to a report from Todo Fichajes, Man Utd are keen on Lukeba as a potential defensive signing for this summer, though Liverpool and Real Madrid have also been tracking him. The report states that Lukeba has a €90m release clause at Leipzig, so it seems likely that the German side will make a considerable profit on a player they signed for just €30m in 2023. Lukeba looks like he could be ideal for United as they look to continue rebuilding under Ruben Amorim, who will surely want to make changes to this struggling squad he inherited from Erik ten Hag. Lukeba looks like he probably won't be short of options if he moves this summer, so it remains to be seen if he'd really choose a move to Old Trafford right now. It's been another miserable season for the Red Devils, and there'll surely be some top players who think twice about going there after seeing so many big names struggle at a club that has been in disarray since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Lukeba could do well to join Liverpool instead, with the Reds looking superb under Arne Slot as they emerge as clear favourites to win the Premier League title this season. The 22-year-old would surely want to be a part of something like that, rather than taking a gamble on MUFC, who currently remain all the way down in 13th in the Premier League table.
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
