Liverpool Eye €60m Deal For Castello Lukeba Amid Premier League Tug Of Battle
Liverpool are as soon as once more dipping into the RB Leipzig expertise pool with sturdy curiosity in Castello Lukeba, in accordance with a report from CaughtOffside, who deserve full credit score for the unique story.
Commercial
The 22 12 months outdated Frenchman has quickly emerged as one in every of Europe’s most wanted younger defenders. His assured performances within the Bundesliga haven’t gone unnoticed. As acknowledged within the report, “Lukeba has a launch clause price €90m, which golf equipment see as too excessive, nevertheless it’s largely symbolic anyway – the true asking value is extra like €60m.”
That determine brings him into vary for a number of Premier League heavyweights, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United all watching intently. One supply added: “Liverpool like him, however you may add Chelsea, Man United, Newcastle and Actual Madrid to that checklist.”
Defensive Reinforcement Wanted At Anfield
Liverpool’s lingering contract scenario with Ibrahima Konaté provides urgency to the Reds’ seek for a central defender. Ought to Konaté depart, changing one French powerhouse with one other makes strategic sense. Lukeba performs with the calm aggression that fits Arne Slot’s construction, whereas his skill to defend giant areas would permit Liverpool to keep up their excessive line with out concern.
Picture IMAGO
Commercial
Leipzig have constructed a fame for producing elite defenders. From Josko Gvardiol to Dayot Upamecano, the mannequin is evident. Liverpool had been early admirers of Lukeba final summer time and their persistence suggests they view him as extra than simply an possibility.
Chelsea Additionally In The Body
Chelsea’s curiosity is equally sturdy. Their present defensive unit stays in flux. Accidents to Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill proceed to unsettle any cohesion. The membership are looking for long run reliability and Lukeba would characterize a transparent improve on Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Given the London membership’s willingness to spend aggressively on future belongings, Liverpool could must act shortly to keep away from being drawn into an public sale.
Commercial
Lukeba’s Resolution Looms
The query now’s which mission appeals most. Liverpool provide stability, elite teaching and a right away position in a title chasing aspect. Chelsea promise a long run rebuild with youthful power however much less certainty. There’s additionally Actual Madrid within the background, all the time lurking when elite younger defenders turn into obtainable.
Both method, a €60m payment for a excessive ceiling defender with Champions League expertise might quickly seem like outstanding worth.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
This has Liverpool written throughout it. Each time a sensible, technically sturdy ball enjoying defender enters the market, the Reds are within the combine. Lukeba appears like a type of signings supporters fall in love with instantly. Left sided, composed, fast throughout the turf and already skilled at European stage. If Konaté does go, changing him with one other French titan feels poetic.
Commercial
Chelsea can throw cash on the scenario however they can’t provide what Liverpool can, a transparent pathway right into a aspect combating for main honours. Slot would polish Lukeba right into a monster. Think about him beside Virgil van Dijk for a season of mentorship, earlier than taking up the torch himself.
Liverpool shouldn’t hesitate. €60m for a defender who might anchor the again line for a decade is sensible enterprise. Overlook dithering, make the decision to Leipzig and get it executed earlier than another person does. Anfield is prepared for an additional French wall.
