Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing 22-year-old French defender Castello Lukeba from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.

According to a report by Caught Offside, Castello Lukeba is the subject of interest from Chelsea. Liverpool and Manchester United are also keen on signing the RB Leipzig defender. However, the Blues are the front-runners to land the Frenchman, who has a release clause worth €90 million in his contract with the Bundesliga club. However, Die Roten Bullen may accept bids around €60 million in January.

How has Castello Lukeba fared in Germany?

Castello Lukeba has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the Bundesliga since joining RB Leipzig from Lyon in August 2023. Born in Lyon, the Frenchman spent his formative years in his hometown and graduated from the youth division at the Ligue 1 club.

The 22-year-old has made nearly 100 appearances thus far for RB Leipzig while chipping in with two goals and one assist. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress at the Bundesliga club has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

A man in demand

The French defender has been on Liverpool’s radar for a long time. The continued interest is understandable, as Virgil van Dijk is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his illustrious career. Additionally, Joe Gomez has struggled with fitness issues throughout his Liverpool career, while Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future is uncertain. So, Lukeba is a viable target.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s long-standing interest in Castello Lukeba makes sense. While the Red Devils have a stacked central defensive unit, Harry Maguire is on the wrong side of 30. Additionally, Ruben Amorim has reason not to trust Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw for long and arduous seasons. So, the RB Leipzig centre-back is an option worth considering for Manchester United.

As for Chelsea, the Blues have been scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the winter transfer window after losing Levi Colwill to a long-term knee injury. Additionally, Axel Disasi will likely depart from Stamford Bridge in January. So, Lukeba has emerged as a target for Chelsea, with the West London club in pole position to sign the 22-year-old Frenchman.

Meanwhile, Lukeba has a release clause worth €90 million in his contract with RB Leipzig. However, the Bundesliga giants may accept bids around €60 million to part ways with the talented French defender in the winter transfer window. So, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the youngster.