Journalist: Liverpool ‘Have Not Made Contact’ with 22-year-old Star Despite Recent Reports | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Centre-Back Search Continues Amid Lukeba Links

With Jarell Quansah set to seal a £35 million move to Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool are left searching for a new centre-back to shore up their defensive options ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. The departure of the academy graduate, who impressed in his breakout season, represents both a financial windfall and a key position to address. While Arne Slot masterminded a title-winning debut season at Anfield, the need for a reliable partner or rotation option alongside Virgil van Dijk remains pressing.

Ibou Konate’s contract situation only intensifies the need for clarity. With just one year left on his current deal and no new agreement yet in place, the club risks losing a high-quality defender for a reduced fee or even for free next summer. If Quansah goes and Konate’s future stays uncertain, the club will find itself dangerously light at centre-back.

Castello Lukeba On The Radar But No Movement Yet

David Lynch provided an important update when speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index, addressing reported interest in RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba.

“I had information yesterday that there hasn’t been any contact just yet with Lukeba or his camp,” Lynch stated. “So don’t think anything is moving on that one but he is probably someone who is on the radar. His age, price point and who he plays for puts him on the radar, but there’s nothing concrete on that one yet.”

Lukeba, 22, fits Liverpool’s profile in many ways. He is young, left-footed, plays in a high-pressing side and has Champions League experience. However, as Lynch makes clear, no real steps have been taken. For now, it seems Lukeba’s name is in the longlist rather than at the top of the shortlist.

Photo: IMAGO

Internal Decisions and Squad Planning Underway

Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, will be well aware of the strategic importance of this summer. The squad is transitioning under Slot and reinforcing the spine is essential. With Quansah’s sale, funds are available, but fans will want to see that reinvested wisely.

Lukeba might not be the only name under discussion, but he reflects the type of profile the Reds are targeting. Lynch’s insight suggests the club are still surveying options rather than rushing into a deal. This measured approach echoes the calculated strategy often seen during Edwards’ previous spell in charge of transfers.

Supporter Patience Needed As Plans Evolve

It is clear that Liverpool are in no rush to jump into the market for the sake of appearances. Given Slot’s early success and the club’s shrewd transfer history, the next centre-back acquisition will likely be someone identified through detailed scouting and data analysis. Whether that is Lukeba or another emerging talent remains to be seen.

For now, as Lynch notes, “there’s nothing concrete,” but that does not mean work is not being done behind the scenes.