Slot eager to land £74.5m-rated talent with “real potential” as Liverpool initiate contact

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, according to TEAMtalk. The Reds have made initial enquiries about the 22-year-old French centre-back, and it remains to be seen whether they will follow up with a formal bid. Lukeba is protected by a £74.5 million release clause, and it’s unclear if Liverpool are willing to meet that valuation.

Manager Arne Slot is eager to bolster his defensive options, and Lukeba has emerged as a target. Liverpool are already being linked with Bundesliga stars Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, and a swoop for Lukeba would mark another raid on the German top flight.

Highly rated across Europe, Lukeba has been praised by Peter Bosz as a player with “real talent with real potential.” With Ibrahima Konaté’s future uncertain—his contract runs until 2026, and talks over a new deal have yet to progress—Lukeba could be viewed as a long-term replacement for his fellow Frenchman.

A move to Anfield would no doubt appeal to Lukeba, with Liverpool’s strong squad, elite manager, and regular title ambitions making them an attractive destination. However, competition for his signature could be stiff, with Manchester United and Real Madrid also reportedly interested.

Where Lukeba ends up remains to be seen, but he’s certainly a defender in demand.