Liverpool Are Locked In A Three-Way Battle For This Bundesliga Defender: Good Choice For Slot? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Foot Mercato claimed that Liverpool are locked in a three-way battle for Red Bull Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba. It has been mentioned that the Reds would have to compete with Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign the Belgian talent this summer.

Lukeba’s Impressive Form In German Football

Lukeba had a solid campaign at the German club recently after he produced a run of impressive displays for them on the defensive third of the field. The 22-year-old made 31 appearances for RB Leipzig last season but failed to score or register an assist for them in various competitions.

The French centre-back made 31 tackles, 29 blocks and 17 interceptions in the Bundesliga. He was even excellent when distributing possession from the back based on his pass success rate of 85.1% in the top tier of German football (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at Leipzig will run out in the summer of 2029 which could make it difficult for the Reds to sign him on the cheap this off-season.

WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – APRIL 11: Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig inspects the pitch prior to the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig at the Volkswagen Arena on April 11, 2025 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Is Lukeba A Good Choice For Liverpool Boss Arne Slot?

Lukeba loves a tackle and can scan the danger well to earn the ball back for his side on the defensive end of the pitch. He usually clears his lines when the opposition are on the offensive and can even play his way out from the back.

The French defensive ace can even use his strong 1.84m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. However, he is still unproven at the highest level and would need time to settle into life in the Premier League if the Reds manage to snap him up this off-season.

Lukeba would inject more bite and steel into Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s defence. He has got the potential to be a success story at the Merseyside club in the long run.

At 22, Lukeba has still got a lot of room to grow as a footballer. He would also serve as an ideal replacement for Jarell Quansah at Liverpool. However, Slot needs to give him some time before he can get the best out of the gifted defender. Still, there is no doubt that Lukeba would be an excellent choice for the Reds to consider this summer.