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Manchester United are increasingly being linked with a summer move for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba as the club looks to rebuild a defence that has struggled for consistency throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
The French centre-back has quietly developed into one of the Bundesliga’s most complete young defenders and, at just 23 years old, is now attracting interest from several of Europe’s elite clubs. United are believed to have already opened talks with the player’s representatives as they attempt to move quickly ahead of the summer transfer window.
Lukeba’s profile fits exactly what United are searching for. He is left-footed, aggressive in duels and comfortable carrying the ball into midfield, qualities that have become increasingly important in modern systems. During the 2025-26 season, he averaged over 90 percent pass accuracy in the Bundesliga while also ranking among Leipzig’s top defenders for interceptions, progressive carries and successful tackles. His recovery pace and composure in one-v-one situations have made him a standout performer despite Leipzig enduring an inconsistent season domestically.
Financially, any deal would be expensive. Lukeba reportedly has a release clause worth around €80 million, although there is growing belief that Leipzig would accept a package closer to €60-70 million if structured correctly with bonuses and add-ons. That would place the deal somewhere in the £50-60 million range, making him one of the most expensive defensive signings in Manchester United history.
United are not alone in the race. Arsenal have tracked Lukeba for over a year and view him as a long-term option on the left side of defence. Bayern Munich remain interested due to their familiarity with the Bundesliga market, while Real Madrid and Chelsea have also been credited with monitoring his situation. Liverpool have previously scouted the defender as well, especially with uncertainty around the long-term future of parts of their back line.
What may give United confidence is the growing relationship with RB Leipzig following recent transfer dealings between the clubs. There is also a feeling that Lukeba could be tempted by the opportunity to become the central figure in a new-look United defence rather than joining a club where competition for minutes is even more intense.
Written by Ketan Patel
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