'Tough-tackling' Liverpool transfer target could now move for £57m this summer - journalist

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Liverpool may have a good chance to add Castello Lukeba to their ranks this summer after having a long-term interest in the defender.Lukeba has been linked with the Reds since the 2025 summer transfer window, though a move has never come to pass.But reports earlier this month suggested the Leipzig centre-back’s future was in doubt, and a fresh update has now emerged, which claims both the player and the club are open to a transfer later this year. Which one should be Liverpool’s manager next season❓ Credit: Justin Setterfield/Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Getty Images Liverpool target Castello Lukeba could move for £57m this summerAccording to Sky journalist Philipp Hinze, the player ‘is on the market this summer’ and could move for less than his release clause.Leipzig set his clause at €80m in the last contract he signed, but a fee in the region of €65m-70m (around £57m) could be enough to secure a transfer.Hinze explained: “Castello Lukeba is on the market this summer.

Leipzig and Lukeba both feel that their time together could come to an end after three years. Lukeba is ready for a new challenge.“It now depends on the offers that come in.

There are strong indications that he could leave Leipzig this summer.” You can only pick ONE player for Liverpool to sign this summer, who is it? Who should Richard Hughes be targeting above all… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones Castello Lukeba stats vs Ibrahima KonateLukeba has been praised for his ‘tough-tackling‘ during his time in Germany and has made 97 appearances across all competitions since his move from Lyon in 2023.The stopper has suffered from a hamstring injury this term, but he’s still played 23 Bundesliga matches and has regained his place in the XI since returning.If he were to move to Liverpool, it would make sense for the Frenchman to come in as a replacement for Ibrahima Konate should he leave Anfield for free in the summer.In 2025/26, Konate has notched 2,487 minutes in the Premier League, made 162 clearances, 23 interceptions, 20 blocked shots and 92 ball recoveries.Meanwhile, in this season’s Bundesliga, Lukeba has played 1,896 minutes, made 112 clearances, 29 interceptions, 19 blocked shots and 113 ball recoveries.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox