Castello Lukeba: Man United handed golden opportunity to sign Licha 2.0 | OneFootball

Signing a centre-back is suddenly emerging as a transfer priority for Manchester United.

Between Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt, injuries have been a recurring theme over the years.

Centre-back signing emerging as a transfer priority for United

I News’ Peter Hall, in his latest assessment of the Red Devils’ defensive situation, admits:

“A new centre-back was not previously thought to be a Man United priority this summer. That may have just changed.”

Amid Hall’s claims, it is Nottingham Forest’s Murillo who is being heavily linked with an Old Trafford switch.

Lukeba offered to United

However, he may not be the only defender on INEOS’ radar, with RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba also pushing to be considered.

Teamtalk are claiming:

“The camp of highly-rated RB Leipzig star Castello Lukeba have spoken to a number of Premier League clubs about a potential future move to England, with Manchester United among those contacted.”

They go on to claim:

“Sources have informed us that United have held discussions regarding the highly rated 23-year-old centre-back.”

While Leipzig flatly refused to sanction the French defender’s exit last year, Teamtalk now claims he can leave for as little as €70 million (£60m), despite holding an €80 million (£69m) release clause.

With Arsenal and Chelsea also approached by the defender’s entourage, United would be wise to move quickly and beat their rivals to this opportunistic transfer.

The perfect alternative to Licha

Given Martinez’s persistent injury struggles, Lukeba makes a compelling long-term understudy.

Much like the Argentine, the Leipzig titan is a left-footed centre-back known for elite ball-playing ability, composure, and front-foot defending. He excels in one-v-one situations, possesses a strong passing range, and often operates as a defender-midfielder hybrid, meaning United would not be left short when Licha is unavailable.

Lukeba, Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven: that is the Red Devils’ defence set for years to come.

Featured image Luciano Lima via Getty Images

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