Manchester United were among those tracking RB Leipzig’s highly-rated defender Castello Lukeba – but he has just penned a new deal which includes a release clause
Manchester United will have to pay €90million (£75m) if they want to land summer target Castello Lukeba – who has just signed a new deal with RB Leipzig.
The German side have protected themselves by inserting a massive release clause into his latest contract, which ties him down until 2029. The highly-rated centre-half moved to Leipzig from Lyon but was previously on the radar of those in Manchester.
Lukeba came through the Lyon academy and was tipped for big things with Leipzig paying just shy of £30m to land him. He’s continued to go from strength to strength and recently shone for France during the Olympics. Being a left-footed centre-half has only added to his value.
The German side signed Lukeba to replace Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian departed for Manchester City for a hefty fee and Leipzig, as they often do, have reinvested impressively. Lukeba can also play as a left-back, which is another string to his bow.
RMC Sport reports that the likes of Real Madrid, as well as the Manchester outfit are eyeing the Frenchman with bids expected as early as the next summer – albeit they will now need to pay huge sums to land the young defender.
United have struggled to nail their defensive recruitment with their backline still an issue. Erik ten Hag is yet to see Leny Yoro in action after his pre-season injury. There is plenty expected from the young defender, who was signed from Lille back in the summer.
Matthijs de Ligt was another recruit as Ten Hag bought in the man who’d excelled under him at Ajax. De Ligt has struggled to fulfil his potential though and has struggled to make an impact since joining from Bayern Munich – being dropped after some poor performances.
A number of the club’s other options are also inconsistent. Lisandro Martinez was also dropped in recent weeks, leaving the team turning to veteran Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire. Victor Lindelof also remains on the club’s books despite falling down the pecking order.
United have been linked with other young defenders and in the summer were in the race for Jarrad Branthwaite, before he eventually stayed at Everton. If they were to pay Lukeba’s price tag it would rival some of the club’s most expensive transfers.
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