Liverpool could move for €70m Bundesliga star | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye £52m Defensive Gem as Konate Exit Looms

Transfer Strategy Shifts Towards Bundesliga Star

Liverpool appear to be working proactively behind the scenes amid rising uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate’s contract, which expires next summer. TEAMtalk report that Marc Guehi has been the club’s long-standing preference, with Crystal Palace’s captain described as having “come very close to joining Liverpool” before Palace pulled the plug. Bayern Munich have also entered discussions with his representatives, complicating matters further.

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Slot’s recruitment team clearly do not want to be left scrambling. While Dayot Upamecano remains on the list, there is now growing interest in RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba. According to journalist Mark Brus, “Lukeba has a release clause worth €90m, which clubs see as too high, but it’s largely symbolic anyway – the real asking price is more like €60m (£52m / $70m). Liverpool like him, but you can add Chelsea, Man United, Newcastle and Real Madrid to that list.”

Statistical Profile Signals High Ceiling

At just 22, Lukeba has already cemented himself as an ever-present in Leipzig’s backline, completing the full 90 minutes in all six of their league games this season. Leipzig’s possession-based system also means he is no stranger to building from deep

Premier League interest is nothing new. Liverpool weighed up a move during the summer, yet Lukeba has remained on the radar. With a fee in the £52m region, he represents a realistic investment rather than an extravagant gamble.

Advantage Lies in Early Decision-Making

Transfer insider Dean Jones told TEAMtalk that Guehi remains Liverpool’s priority while Upamecano is considered a fallback option. However, this emerging Lukeba development suggests contingency planning is more advanced than expected. Liverpool prefer to strike before market inflation kicks in, and this profile fits their long-term model: young, elite-level attributes, resale potential.

Konate’s potential exit could reshape Liverpool’s defensive dynamic, and planning for succession now prevents panic bidding later.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Lukeba sounds like exactly the type of signing Liverpool supporters can get behind. Young, athletic, aggressive and already performing at Champions League level, he ticks every familiar box from the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Konate himself.

There will be questions about experience and physical adaptation, but that is always the case when moving from Europe’s second tier of competition to England’s relentless tempo. If the reported £52m price tag holds firm, it could look like a bargain within two years, particularly if Chelsea or Manchester United get involved and start inflating fees.

Guehi remains the people’s pick due to Premier League familiarity, but Lukeba feels like one of those under-the-radar moves that Liverpool get right before everyone else realises how good he is. If Konate does decide to move on, then acting early and decisively would calm the fanbase. The only concern? Competition is fierce, and this one could get political fast.