Liverpool Reportedly Interested in Another Bundesliga Star

Liverpool isn’t done with their summer business just yet. After a whirlwind transfer window that’s already seen them spend close to £200 million, the club now has its sights set on reinforcing the heart of their defence. With Jarell Quansah recently making a surprise move to Bayer Leverkusen, a spot has opened up in Liverpool’s backline, and they’re reportedly keen on filling it with another standout talent from the Bundesliga.

The man at the centre of the club’s latest interest is Castello Lukeba, RB Leipzig’s 22-year-old centre-back. According to reports from Foot Mercato, the Reds have identified Lukeba as a target, and it’s no coincidence that their move comes just as the player seems open to a change of scenery.

Lukeba’s Leipzig Future In Question

Lukeba, who joined Leipzig from Lyon in 2023, has enjoyed a rapid rise in the Bundesliga. His composure on the ball, sharp defensive instincts, and versatility have already made him a regular for both club and country. He’s under contract until 2029, and while Leipzig would love to keep him, things aren’t as secure as they seem.

Leipzig’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League appears to have changed everything. Lukeba has reportedly made it clear to the club that he’d be open to a move, especially to a side that can offer him top-level European football. It’s not a full-blown transfer request, but the message is loud enough to turn heads. Liverpool, always alert to this kind of situation, has started to engage.

Now, while Lukeba’s release clause stands at a hefty €90 million (£78m/$106m), there’s optimism that a deal could be done for less. Leipzig knows they may struggle to keep hold of a player eager to move on, especially if he’s not happy about missing out on the Champions League. Whether that brings the asking price significantly down remains to be seen, but Liverpool is certainly sniffing around with intent.

Competition From Bayern, Spurs And Others

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Liverpool transfer pursuit without some fierce competition. Bayern Munich are also tracking Lukeba and see him as a long-term solution for their defence. The Bavarians are in the process of reshuffling their backline and have identified Lukeba as a key piece of the puzzle. Tottenham, too, has entered the conversation. With European football on offer and a more prominent role potentially available, they believe they have a shot.

It’s not just a three-horse race, either. While Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid haven’t made formal approaches this summer, all three have previously kept tabs on Lukeba and could yet reignite their interest. That said, Liverpool is currently leading the charge, and their urgency may work in their favour.

2025 Super Transfer Window

Liverpool’s summer spending so far has been nothing short of ambitious. They’ve already splashed out close to £200 million, bringing in big names like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. It’s clear the club isn’t just preparing to defend their Premier League title, they’re planning to dominate.

Wirtz, the crown jewel of their summer signings, cost a British-record fee of £116 million. Frimpong adds a dynamic option down the right flank, while Kerkez brings fresh energy to the left side, deemed as the long-term replacement for Andrew Robertson. Yet, amid all these attacking and wide additions, one thing has become clear: Liverpool still needs to strengthen at centre-back.

The sale of Quansah, unexpected as it was, has left a mark. Virgil van Dijk is still a colossal presence, but soon to be 34 in a couple of days, the Reds know they must start looking ahead. Joe Gomez has had his problems being consistent, and injuries haven’t been kind. Ibrahima Konaté is reliable, but needs to have a backup. Lukeba would add quality and inject youth, ambition, and a modern profile that fits Liverpool’s evolving style under Arne Slot.

Final Thoughts

It’s still early days in the pursuit, but there’s a sense that things could move quickly. With Lukeba open to a transfer and Leipzig likely to listen to sensible offers, Liverpool might be able to strike a deal well below the €90 million release clause. Bayern and Spurs remain threats, but the Reds’ recent transfer behaviour shows they’re more than willing to act decisively when the right opportunity arises. Lukeba is young, experienced, and hungry for Champions League football. If the club can move fast and if Leipzig lowers its stances, a deal could happen before pre-season gets into full swing.