Manchester United Are Facing Stiff Competition For This Bundesliga Defender: Is He Worth The Fight? | OneFootball

In a recent report, journalist Mark Brus claimed that Manchester United are facing stiff competition for Red Bull Leipzig defender Castelo Lukeba. It has been mentioned that the Red Devils would have to rival Liverpool and Chelsea in the race to land the French centre-back next year.

Lukeba’s Impressive Form In The Bundesliga

Lukeba has made a solid start to this Bundesliga campaign as he has put in a handful of impressive displays for RB Leipzig on the defensive end of the field. The French defensive ace has picked up one assist in seven appearances for the German outfit this season across multiple competitions.

The 22-year-old has been a rock at the back and deserves a ton of credit for making eight tackles, 15 blocks, 11 interceptions and 31 clearances in the Bundesliga. He has also been careful when distributing possession from inside his half after completing 86.9% of his attempted passes in the German first division (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at the Red Bull Arena will expire in the summer of 2029. Therefore, Man United would have to make a convincing offer if they are serious about recruiting Lukeba next year.

MAGDEBURG, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 23: Castello Lukeba of France during the International Friendly between Germany U21 and France U21 at MDCC Arena on September 23, 2022 in Magdeburg, Germany. (Photo by Karina Hessland-Wissel/ Getty Images)

Manchester United Are Facing Stiff Competition For Lukeba: Is He Worth The Fight?

Lukeba loves a tackle and can scan the danger well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when required and can use his strong 1.84m frame to win his fair share of aerial duels.

However, there are some question marks over whether the French talent can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League if Man United manage to bring him on board next year.

We can expect Lukeba to add more bite and steel to Ruben Amorim’s defence. He is good enough to fight for regular first-team football at Old Trafford in the coming years.

At 22, Lukeba has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a worthy target for the Red Devils to pursue this January or at the end of this campaign. However, Amorim has to give him some time to adjust to life in England before he can unlock the best out of him at the Mancunian club.