Arne Slot APPROVES €90m-rated centre-back signing

It could be all change at the heart of Liverpool’s defence this summer. Virgil van Dijk is under contract until 2027 but all around him there is uncertainty.

Most pressingly, there is the Ibrahima Konate issue to solve. The 26-year-old is out of contract in 2026 and if no agreement over a new deal is reached soon then he could be listed for transfer.

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Joe Gomez, meanwhile, was deemed surplus to requirements last summer and his prospects don’t appear any better one year on. He too could be sold if any suitors are persuaded to pay Liverpool’s asking price on a player who suffered significant injury trouble in 2024/25.

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We could also see Jarell Quansah leave. The homegrown defender made a breakthrough under Jurgen Klopp but hasn’t been able to nail down a regular place under Arne Slot.

If the Reds can raise £50m or so for the 22-year-old then he too could join another Premier League club or else one of the Bundesliga’s top sides.

Arne Slot likes Lukeba

If Slot and Richard Hughes lose multiple defenders then they will be in the market for reinforcements. One of the names consistently on the radar over the last couple of transfer windows is Castello Lukeba.

Klopp’s RB Leipzig are planning drastic cuts this summer and the Frenchman could be among the departures. With a reported buyout clause of €90m, the 22-year-old doesn’t come cheap but Leipzig are well protected from a transfer fee perspective given his contract extends to 2029.

And now comes the news that Arne Slot has personally approved the signing of the left-sided France under-21 international. That’s according to a new report in TEAMtalk, which claims an inquiry has gone in from Anfield about Lukeba.

Liverpool inquire for Lukeba

“Liverpool have enquired about RB Leipzig star Castello Lukeba as they seek to bolster their defence,” a report reads.

“With Ibrahima Konate entering the last year of his Reds contract shortly, the Merseyside outfit are still putting the feelers out to reinforce their backline.

“Liverpool are monitoring Lukeba and have asked for updated information on the 22-year-old, but no official talks or negotiations are in place.

“Slot is an admirer of the France international, and with the Reds planning changes in defence, Lukeba fits the style of player they want to sign.”

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Lukeba came through at Lyon before transferring to Bundesliga side Leipzig in 2023. Last season he played 31 times for the Red Bulls, including five games in the Champions League.