Manchester City are reportedly exploring a move for RB Leipzig’s highly-rated centre-back Castello Lukeba, as they look to bolster their defence in the coming transfer windows.
Manchester City to Rival Chelsea and Real Madrid for Castello Lukeba in Upcoming Transfer Battle
The 21-year-old Frenchman has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising defensive talents, and City are said to be keen on securing his services to reinforce their backline for the future.
City’s defensive concerns have grown, particularly with John Stones enduring a series of injuries that have cast doubt on his long-term future at the club.
The 30-year-old has been sidelined multiple times in recent months, suffering from foot, abductor muscle, and ankle issues, which have disrupted his form and left his availability for key matches uncertain.
As a result, City’s recruitment team has been closely monitoring the market for potential replacements, with Lukeba now firmly on their radar.
Since joining RB Leipzig from Lyon in 2023, Lukeba has impressed with his maturity and ability to fill the sizeable shoes of Josko Gvardiol, who made a record-breaking move to City. While still young, Lukeba has demonstrated a rare blend of technical ability, physicality, and defensive intelligence.
His composed ball-playing skills, sharp game-reading, and impressive timing in tackles have drawn comparisons to his Croatian predecessor.
At Lyon, Lukeba helped his team secure 12 clean sheets in 58 Ligue 1 appearances, including standout performances against some of Europe’s top clubs, such as a notable 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain.
City scouts have been closely tracking Lukeba’s development at Leipzig, with many viewing him as a potential cornerstone for the club’s defence in years to come.
However, the competition for his signature is expected to be fierce. Chelsea and Real Madrid are also said to be monitoring the Frenchman’s progress, which could lead to a high-stakes battle for his services.
One key factor in any potential deal is Lukeba’s release clause, which has been structured to ensure that Leipzig maintains a strong negotiating position. While his €90 million release clause for 2025 may deter some suitors, Leipzig’s recent contract extension for the player has added further layers to the deal.
A €80 million clause for 2026 and a €65 million clause for 2027 means Leipzig could either keep hold of Lukeba for a while longer or sell him for a significant profit, regardless of when he eventually departs.
Manchester City have shown in the past they are willing to pay top dollar for quality defensive talent, having spent a record €90 million on Gvardiol in 2023.
Whether they are prepared to break the bank once again for Lukeba in the coming years remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Lukeba’s future is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing transfer sagas in European football.
As the window for potential moves opens, it will be fascinating to see how the race for the young defender unfolds, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs all vying for his signature.
Read More: Coleen Rooney explains why ‘Wagatha’ case was ‘worst nightmare’
