Liverpool keen on signing £70m star in 2026 as Slot looks to address key issue – journalist

Liverpool are reportedly eager on signing RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, as per switch journalist Graeme Bailey.

After not spending a lot cash in the summertime of final yr and the final winter window, the Reds have been very lively on this summer season window. They’ve refreshed the squad by signing Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Giovanni Leoni, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Nevertheless, the Merseyside membership have struggled with defensive frailties to this point this season. Though they’ve bolstered the CB place by buying Leoni, he’s nonetheless very younger and has sustained a season-ending knee damage.

Arne Slot’s aspect tried to purchase Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on switch deadline day. Nevertheless, they ultimately didn’t finalise the transfer, so the Reds at the moment have Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Virgil Van Dijk as the one CB choices.

Nevertheless, Konate has been inconsistent to this point this season, along with his current deal set to run out on the finish of this season. Then again, Gomez struggled with health issues final time period and hasn’t performed many video games in latest months.

Now, on TBR Soccer, Bailey says that Liverpool are planning to bolster the CB place subsequent yr and are prioritising signing Guehi free of charge.

Lukeba to Liverpool

Nevertheless, in the event that they ultimately fail to safe his service, Liverpool have created a five-man shortlist of potential different choices with Nico Schlotterbeck, Dayot Upamecano, Joel Ordóñez, Lukeba, and Taras Mykhavko in it.

The Merseyside membership are planning to purchase two new centre-backs subsequent yr and have earmarked Lukeba as a severe choice, having loved success with signings from Leipzig – most notably Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konaté.

Lukeba has a £70m launch clause in his present contract, and the German aspect could be open to letting him go away for a price lower than that. Nevertheless, Liverpool don’t need to spend that a lot for the Frenchman.

The 22-year-old is a technically gifted left-footed centre-back and is a extremely gifted participant. So, he may be a shrewd long-term choice to exchange Van Dijk, who is ready to show 35 subsequent yr.

Nevertheless, it’s going to be fascinating to see whether or not the Anfield membership ultimately formalise their curiosity in signing the Leipzig star.