According to a report from Fichajes, Manchester City are impressed with RB Leipzig youngster Castello Lukeba’s progress. The Premier League club could be making a big move in the next summer transfer window to lure him away.
The impressive rise of Castello Lukeba
Castello Lukeba came through the ranks of Lyon and made a switch to RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023. Since then he has gone from strength to strength. He has established himself as a mainstay in the lineup and as one of the most exciting defenders in the league.
Lukeba featured in 41 games last season and had a goal under his hat. He averaged 0.6 tackles, 0.4 interceptions, and 2.9 clearances per game (stats via whoscored).
The French defender is a centre-back but can also operate as a left-back. He is fast, positions himself well, and remains calm under pressure. He is an excellent passer of the ball, allowing to build attacks from the back and also times his tackles nicely.
Manchester City might prefer signing attacking players at this moment
Manchester City always have their eyes on emerging talents across the globe and the story of Castello Lukeba must be fascinating to them. Considering the qualities and the potential the youngster holds, he could be a long-term investment for the club.
Though the Citizens don’t need any defensive recruitment on an urgent basis, they won’t mind investing for the future. The 21-year-old’s intelligence and passing abilities will be well-suited to Pep Guardiola‘s style of play.
Lukeba recently penned down a new contract with RB Leipzig, meaning Manchester City will have to spend somewhere around €60-70 million to sign the youngster. Though the English giants have the financial strength to pull it off, it will be interesting to see if they are ready to splash such a high amount or not. Moreover, at the time when they need to sign attacking midfielders to replace their fading stars.
