Liverpool Set to Join Bayern Munich in the Race to Sign £60m Defender – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool and Bayern Munich Lock Horns Over Castello Lukeba Transfer

At just 22 years of age, Castello Lukeba has become one of the most sought-after young defenders in European football. According to Foot Mercato, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring the RB Leipzig centre-back, whose consistent performances in the Bundesliga have made him a major talking point this summer.

The Lyon-born defender, who moved to Leipzig in 2023 as a replacement for Joško Gvardiol, has taken little time to establish himself as a cornerstone of their backline. With 41 appearances in his debut season, and 31 in the following campaign despite injury, Lukeba’s trajectory continues to impress.

“Castello Jr. stays! RB Leipzig have extended the contract with defender Castello Lukeba by one year until 2029. The 21-year-old immediately became a regular player after leaving Olympique Lyonnais for the Red Bulls in 2023 and also made his debut for the France team in October 2023,” the German club said in a statement.

From Euro U21 to Transfer Target

Lukeba recently featured for France in the UEFA Euro U21 tournament. Despite Les Bleuets exiting with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Germany, Lukeba’s leadership and composure were clear. “Leaving like this, leaving this mark, it hurts,” he said after the match. “We would have liked to finish on a high note for this generation that is coming to a standstill. It’s always a pleasure to wear the blue jersey no matter the age.”

Photo: IMAGO

With 27 U21 caps and one senior appearance for France, Lukeba remains ambitious: “I’m still ambitious and I’ve always wanted to be back with the France A team. I know that it requires good performances at club.”

His domestic record backs that ambition. Even after sustaining a left thigh injury in December that sidelined him for two months, he returned strongly to anchor Leipzig’s defence and has emerged with serious interest from clubs with high ambitions.

Liverpool’s Defensive Strategy

Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool are reshaping their tactical identity. Slot’s first season saw the Reds reclaim the Premier League title, but the transition from Jürgen Klopp’s high-pressing style to Slot’s control-oriented football has highlighted the need for ball-playing defenders.

Lukeba’s profile fits that bill. Composed under pressure, excellent in recovery and technically adept, he offers attributes aligned with Slot’s demands. His ability to progress the ball and dominate in one-on-one duels could be the key to maintaining balance alongside Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konaté, especially with long-term planning in mind.

Transfer Details and Valuation

Though Lukeba’s contract runs until 2029, Foot Mercato report that both Leipzig and the player have agreed to entertain offers below his €90 million release clause. That flexibility opens the door for serious negotiations this summer, with the transfer fee expected to be in the region of £60million.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid have all previously shown interest. However, the latest interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich suggests the bidding war could intensify quickly, especially with pre-season on the horizon.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, this is the sort of link that gets the blood pumping. Lukeba is more than a rising star, he’s already proven himself in a top league and looks built for what Arne Slot is crafting at Anfield. With Van Dijk in his twilight years and Matip gone, finding a long-term defensive partner for Konaté is urgent.

What stands out most is Lukeba’s mentality. “It’s always a pleasure to wear the blue jersey no matter the age,” he said after France’s U21s exit. That sort of humility and hunger speaks volumes. And knowing he’s open to a move and that Leipzig are willing to negotiate below €90 million makes this feel like the kind of smart, future-proof signing FSG like to pursue.

Yes, there will be competition, but Liverpool have the Premier League title in their back pocket, Champions League football and the magnetism of Anfield. It’s the perfect time to strike. Bring Lukeba in and you’re securing the heart of your defence for the next five to seven years.