Manchester City initiate transfer talks for Castello Lukeba | OneFootball

New claims this week have suggested that Manchester City transfer bosses have initiated transfer talks over RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba.

City’s recruitment strategy this summer has been shaped by a growing need to refresh Pep Guardiola’s defensive options, with uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of several senior players.

Manuel Akanji has been linked with a potential move away, while John Stones’ injury record has raised questions over his ability to maintain a consistent role at the heart of defence. City have also finalised a loan pathway for Vitor Reis, who has headed to Girona for the campaign.

Lukeba, 22, has built a strong reputation in Germany since joining RB Leipzig from Lyon in 2023 – largely as a direct replacement for Josko Gvardiol, who left the Bundesliga side for Manchester City.

Known for his ball progression, anticipation, and positional awareness, the Frenchman has attracted attention from a number of top European clubs. His profile aligns closely with City’s preferred mould for a central defender; comfortable in possession, quick across the ground, and tactically flexible enough to play in a high defensive line.

This move also follows a broader pattern in City’s transfer dealings in recent windows, where they have targeted emerging talents capable of stepping into starting roles within a season or two. Players such as Gvardiol and Rúben Dias have been brought in with an eye on both immediate impact and long-term stability, and Lukeba could be viewed through the same lens.

According to the information of journalist Rudy Galetti, RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba has now emerged as a transfer target for Manchester City, who are claimed to have started contacts to explore the potential terms of a deal.

If initial discussions progress positively, RB Leipzig’s valuation will become a key point in negotiations. The Bundesliga side are not known to sell cheaply, particularly when it comes to young, high-potential defenders with multiple years left on their contracts.

For City, the timing of any deal could depend on how quickly they resolve other defensive uncertainties. Should there be a late advance in talks for Manuel Akanji, or if Stones faces further setbacks, the urgency for a new centre-back could accelerate.

With less than a fortnight until the Premier League season begins, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether Lukeba becomes the latest addition to Pep Guardiola’s backline.

However, the expectance in various quarters and within the Etihad is that transfer business has now been concluded, particularly in defensive ranks following the addition of James Trafford into the goalkeeping department, and Rayan Ait-Nouri on the left side of defence.

As such, any talk of interest in Castello Lukeba may be more relevant to the 2026 summer transfer window, when more intense discussions surrounding exits for existing senior central defenders could take place.