Man Utd identify ‘exceptional’ £43m Bundesliga star as perfect fit for backline | OneFootball

Manchester United are planning to bolster their defensive department next year, and Castello Lukeba could emerge as a serious candidate.

The Red Devils pulled off a major attacking overhaul in the summer of 2025, followed by a midfield reboot this year.

Therefore, most observers believe 2027 will be the year when Man Utd finally address their defensive issues.

Man Utd keeping tabs on Castello Lukeba

(Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

This summer, United were expected to sign a new left-back, but they fell short in Lewis Hall’s pursuit, so they left Luke Shaw without a proper backup. INEOS will be keen to rectify this blunder next year, perhaps as early as January.

Moreover, the club could also bolster the right-back spot by bringing in an upgrade on Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, both of whom are running on contracts expiring in June 2028.

And finally, Man Utd should buy at least one new central defender, perhaps a replacement for Harry Maguire, who turns 34 in March and could be out of contract by the end of the season.

According to The Sun journalist Samuel Luckhurst, United’s preferred profile would fall within the 22-26 age bracket, but the Premier League’s most exciting defenders in this category could be unattainable. This includes Jarrad Branthwaite, Murilly, and Malick Thiaw.

Therefore, United could turn to Lukeba, who is one of the Bundesliga’s best centre-backs, having already signed his former RB Leipzig teammate, Benjamin Sesko.

Luckhurst believes the 23-year-old Frenchman is aligned with Man Utd’s ‘preferred overseas profile’.

Why Lukeba is wanted at Man United

Man Utd’s Head of Recruitment Christopher Vivell (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Lukeba is a left-footed central defender who is a product of Lyon’s academy. In 2023, he moved to Leipzig on a deal worth €30 million. Transfermarkt currently values the Frenchman at €50 million, or £43 million.

Leipzig’s sporting director Rouven Schroder described him as an ‘exceptional’ player.

“His strength in tackles, his good passing, his confidence and composure on the ball, his speed and his flexibility in being able to play both as a centre-back and as a full-back make him an exceptional player,” noted the club official.

Man Utd might be well-positioned to strike a deal with the German club thanks to their Head of Recruitment, Christopher Vivell, who worked for several years with the Red Bull group before moving to Carrington.

The German official had reportedly played an important role in Sesko’s recruitment back in 2025.