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Manchester United compete with Chelsea and Liverpool for €60 million defensive ace

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 9:23 AM ET

Manchester United to make January move for Castello Lukeba; Chelsea and Liverpool also keen

Manchester United continue to look for ways to strengthen their backline, amidst conceding regular goals. Their scouts have started searching beyond the Premier League. They have been looking for composure, pace, and balance at the back, and that has led them to Castello Lukeba. His name keeps rising in European football. The French defender has impressed the onlookers for RB Leipzig, showing control, intelligence, and calmness at this age. At just 22, he commands the pitch with confidence that has attracted attention across England.

According to a report by Marc Brus for the Daily Briefing, Liverpool and Chelsea have joined United in showing strong interest in the France international. Lukeba has a release clause of around €90 million. However, Leipzig plan to accept an offer closer to €60 million, which keeps top clubs alert.

Liverpool began tracking him in the summer. Chelsea’s scouting team continue to focus on signing young, technically sound players who fit their long-term rebuild. United view him as a key part of their plan to fix a defence that often struggles in big matches. Lukeba now seems close to making a move, especially as several top clubs quietly prepare their bids.

It is worth noting that we reported earlier that Dean Jones claims Manchester United want more competition for the goalkeeping spot. This shows that the club intends to strengthen key areas instead of making isolated signings.

Why Manchester United Could Be the Right Destination?

Lukeba’s profile matches what Manchester United currently need. He plays with his left foot, stays calm on the ball, and builds an attack confidently from the back. His awareness and pace will suit a system that values control and balance. With INEOS reshaping the sporting setup and Xavi reportedly wanting the Manchester United job as pressure mounts on current boss Ruben Amorim, the team could soon switch to a back-four formation, and will need defenders who can build from the back. Lukeba fits easily into that setup, and even in the current back-three setup under Amorim.

Meanwhile, Liverpool offer stability under Arne Slot and the chance to play alongside Virgil van Dijk. Chelsea’s long-term plan could match his age and ambition. Still, United combine prestige, a new direction, and the promise of a leading role in defence, which could sway his decision. In the end, his choice may depend on playing time, Champions League football, and belief in the project. Manchester United are currently behind its competitors due to the lack of European football and the future of the current project. Hence, we have to wait and watch how this interest progresses in the coming months.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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