Liverpool get advantage in race for £55m Bundesliga star

Liverpool have faced significant disruption at centre-back in recent weeks. Jarell Quansah has completed his move to Bayer Leverkusen while there remains uncertainty around the futures of Joe Gomez and in particular Ibrahima Konate.

There is a gap in the centre-back department following the loss of Quansah and the Reds have been tipped to add a player in that position during the summer transfer window.

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Given Virgil van Dijk’s advancing age - not to mention that he’s only signed up for another two years - and you can see why the Reds’ needs for reinforcements are increasingly profound.

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That’s why links with central defenders have been abundant of late - with Marc Guehi, Jorrel Hato and Levi Colwill among those reported to be of interest at Anfield.

Liverpool looking to Lukeba

But there is one more centre-back who could be on the move this summer to Merseyside - and it’s a player at Jurgen Klopp’s RB Leipzig.

Castello Lukeba, 22, is reportedly determined to depart the club this summer having missed out on European football. And according to Caught Offside, he’s got his heart set on a move to Liverpool.

Lukeba wants Liverpool

“The Anfield hierarchy is optimistic that the player’s desire to join and Leipzig’s understanding of the situation will help facilitate a deal without the prolonged negotiations that can often derail high-profile transfers,” the report states.

“Lukeba is excited by the prospect of joining Liverpool, where he would have the opportunity to work under Slot, compete at the highest level, and develop alongside players like Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson and others.”

Lukeba available for £55m?

This isn’t the first time Liverpool have been linked with the France under-21 international, who plays on the left side of defence.

Under contract until 2029, Lukeba has a reported €90m release clause in his contract - but the report adds that Liverpool are ready to test the Bundesliga side’s resolve with a bid of around £50m to £55m.

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What this means for a reported move for Guehi is not known at this stage. The England defender is out of contract at Crystal Palace in 2026 - mirroring Liverpool’s Konate predicament - and could be available cheaper than Lukeba.