Liverpool seek for a brand new centre-back has taken a recent 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 alternative for Josko Gvardiol, has shortly change into a key determine of their defence. Nevertheless, with Liverpool’s curiosity now public, there are questions on whether or not Lukeba may 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. Nevertheless, Liverpool might want to meet Leipzig’s asking value of £60 million to safe Lukeba’s signature, a big sum that displays his rising inventory.
Whereas Liverpool have centered totally on reinforcing their midfield throughout this switch window, with defensive midfielders being a precedence, their want for a brand new centre-back has change into obvious. Virgil van Dijk stays the cornerstone of Liverpool’s defence, however at 32, the membership is clearly planning for the longer term. Lukeba, together with his potential to develop and develop additional, matches the profile of a long-term successor to van Dijk.
Nevertheless, there are potential hurdles to this deal. Lukeba is at an important stage in his profession, the place common taking part in time is crucial for his improvement. At Liverpool, he would probably face stiff competitors for a beginning spot, which could possibly be a deterrent for the younger defender. Moreover, with different golf equipment reportedly serious about him, Lukeba and his representatives must rigorously think about the subsequent step in his profession.
Liverpool are additionally preserving 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 would possibly 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 newest addition to their squad stays to be seen, however his arrival may sign a big funding in the way forward for Liverpool’s defence.
