Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool set to battle for 21-year-old Leipzig star amid contract extension news: Reports
Real Madrid are battling Manchester United and Liverpool for the services of Castello Lukeba, according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins. The Ivorian defender has been very impressive for RB Leipzig since arriving at the Red Bull Arena in the summer of 2023.
Lukeba has appeared nine times across competitions for the Bundesliga giants this season, all but one of which have been starts. He has already established himself as one of the finest defenders in the league and has forced Real Madrid to take note.
The LaLiga giants parted ways with Nacho Fernandez this summer and had identified Leny Yoro as his replacement. However, Los Blancos' refusal to match Lille's asking price saw Manchester United win the race for the Frenchman.
Real Madrid are now eyeing defensive reinforcements in 2025 and have identified Lukeba as an option. However, the Spanish champions will face competition from the Red Devils as well as Liverpool for the 21-year-old.
The Reds are laying down succession plans for Virgil van Dijk, who is in the final year of his contract. The Merseyside club are in talks to tie him down to an extension but also have one eye on the future.
Liverpool are apparently impressed by Lukeka and believe he could be a long-term replacement for Van Dijk at Anfield. Elsewhere, Manchester United are also eyeing defensive reinforcements, despite investing heavily in their backline this summer.
Erik ten Hag roped in Matthijs de Ligt as well as Yoro this year, but the Red Devils have a -2 goal difference in the Premier League after eight games. Lukeba could help Manchester United in their plans to replace Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
However, RB Leipzig have recently announced that the player has signed a one-year extension to his current deal that will keep him at the club until 2029. As such, prising him away is likely to be very costly.
Can Real Madrid defeat Liverpool and Manchester United in the race for Castello Lukeba?
Real Madrid have an urgent need for defensive reinforcements in 2025. Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30 and Castello Lukeba could be a stellar long-term partner for Eder Militao.
While Liverpool and Manchester United are likely to pose a tough challenge to their plans, it's a common notion that Los Blancos president Florentino Perez gets what he wants. The LaLiga champions will be highly motivated to get the Ivorian defender after losing out Yoro.
As such, Lukeba could end up joining Real Madrid in 2025. However, a move in the winter is almost unlikely.