Liverpool seek for a brand new centre-back has taken a contemporary flip, with the membership making an official enquiry about RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba. The 21-year-old French defender, who joined Leipzig simply final yr as a substitute for Josko Gvardiol, has rapidly turn into a key determine of their defence. Nonetheless, with Liverpool’s curiosity now public, there are questions on whether or not Lukeba is likely to be tempted to swap the Bundesliga for the Premier League.
Lukeba’s potential transfer to Liverpool is intriguing, particularly contemplating the Reds’ current historical past of profitable transfers from RB Leipzig, together with Ibrahima Konaté, Naby Keïta, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Nonetheless, Liverpool might want to meet Leipzig’s asking worth of £60 million to safe Lukeba’s signature, a major sum that displays his rising inventory.
Whereas Liverpool have targeted totally on reinforcing their midfield throughout this switch window, with defensive midfielders being a precedence, their want for a brand new centre-back has turn into obvious. Virgil van Dijk stays the cornerstone of Liverpool’s defence, however at 32, the membership is clearly planning for the long run. Lukeba, along with his potential to develop and develop additional, matches the profile of a long-term successor to van Dijk.
Nonetheless, there are potential hurdles to this deal. Lukeba is at an important stage in his profession, the place common enjoying time is important for his improvement. At Liverpool, he would doubtless face stiff competitors for a beginning spot, which could possibly be a deterrent for the younger defender. Moreover, with different golf equipment reportedly inquisitive about him, Lukeba and his representatives should fastidiously think about the subsequent step in his profession.
Liverpool are additionally protecting their choices open, with different centre-backs like Gonçalo Inácio of Sporting CP and Marc Guéhi of Crystal Palace on their radar. Inácio has been a standout performer in Portugal, whereas Guéhi’s Premier League expertise makes him a powerful candidate, though Newcastle United may swoop in for the Crystal Palace star earlier than Liverpool could make their transfer.
The clock is ticking because the switch deadline approaches, and Liverpool are eager to bolster their defensive ranks. Whether or not Castello Lukeba turns into the most recent addition to their squad stays to be seen, however his arrival may sign a major funding in the way forward for Liverpool’s defence.
