Liverpool Are Keeping Tabs On This Bundesliga Defender: Should Slot Move In For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent post on X, journalist Lewis Steele stated that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Red Bull Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba this summer. It has been claimed that the Reds are eyeing a move to bring the French centre-back this off-season.

Lukeba’s Impressive Form In German Football

Lukeba enjoyed a solid campaign at the German club as he was responsible for putting in a run of impressive displays at the centre of their backline. The 22-year-old appeared in 31 matches for RB Leipzig last season across all fronts.

The Lyon-born talent was a rock at the back and deserves credit for making 31 tackles, 29 blocks and 17 interceptions in the Bundesliga. He was even excellent when distributing possession from inside his half after completing 85.1% of his attempted passes in the German top tier (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at the German club will expire in the summer of 2029 which could make it tough for the Reds to land him on the cheap in this transfer window.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 23: Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig in action during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at Red Bull Arena on February 23, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Luciano Lima/Getty Images)

Should Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Move In For Lukeba This Summer?

Lukeba is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his team on the defensive end of the field. He usually clears his lines when needed and is a tidy passer of the ball as well.

However, the French sensation is still quite inexperienced at the highest level and would need time to prove his worth in the Premier League if Liverpool manage to bring him on board this summer.

We can expect Lukeba to bring more bite and steel to Arne Slot’s backline in the long run. He is already good enough to serve as a decent, rotational piece in the Merseyside club’s match-day squad. Thus, it makes sense for Liverpool to move in for him in this transfer window.

At 22, the future looks quite promising for Lukeba. He has got the ceiling to be a success story at Anfield in the long run. However, it remains to be seen whether he can cope with the physicality and high intensity of the Premier League. Still, the pros outweigh the cons of signing someone of his potential, so Slot should focus on recruiting him soon.