Arne Slot’s summer rebuild is far from done. With key departures and contract talks stalling, Liverpool now have their sights set on strengthening the backline. And in classic Anfield fashion — they’re not alone in the chase.
RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has reportedly caught Liverpool’s attention, but it’s a three-way battle. Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race (via Foot Mercato).
All three clubs will compete in the Champions League next season, making this one a proper tug-of-war.
The 22-year-old Frenchman has a contract until 2029 with a release clause of around €90 million.
But there’s good news for bargain hunters — Leipzig and Lukeba reportedly have a gentleman’s agreement to allow a move for less. Now that’s the kind of friendly handshake Liverpool can get behind.
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The Reds are working with urgency. After selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, the club now has just three senior center-backs.
Add to that the uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate’s future — and it’s clear Liverpool’s defense needs fresh legs.
Konate is reportedly eyeing a wage bump to £200k per week, and the club isn’t keen on matching it.
With talks going nowhere fast, Liverpool are ready to accept offers between £40m–£50m. Real Madrid and PSG are sniffing around, and that could speed things up.
Enter Castello Lukeba. The Frenchman, often compared to Josko Gvardiol, impressed with France’s U21 and has already proven himself in Germany.
At 6 feet tall and naturally left-footed, he brings versatility to play in a back three or four. His ball-playing skills make him a good fit for Arne Slot’s style.
Liverpool also remains interested in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. But Guehi’s price tag could cause a standstill — Palace want at least £50m, while Liverpool may try to negotiate down to £30m.
Let’s just say that deal might require more than just smooth talk.
Lukeba, then, could be the safer — and possibly smarter — option. The race is heating up, and Liverpool will have to act fast to stay ahead of the pack.
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