Manchester United has not had a satisfactory start to the 2023–24 season, and they’ll look to bolster certain departments of the squad, especially in light of some imminent departures like Jadon Sancho, who wants out of the club in January
Erik Ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, has Castello Lukeba on his radar as one of his intended additions in the upcoming transfer window. This prospective addition has been fueled by the anticipation of significant funds that will be available to the manager if Jadon Sancho moves on to Saudi Arabia.
Who is Castello Lukeba?
Castello Junior Lukeba, born in December 2002, is an exceptional young talent on the radar of some top European clubs. Being a native of Lyon, France, he has played for the club, first joining the Olympique Lyonnais Academy in 2011. He went on to sign his first professional career with Lyon sometime in July 2021.
Castello Lukeba’s debut came later, in August 2021, as Lyon clashed with Brest in a Ligue 1 contest. The young talent made his European football debut on November 25, 2021, contributing to a 3-1 victory against Brøndby IF in the group stage of the 2021–22 UEFA Europa League. His first goal for Lyon’s first team was a header assisted by Rayan Cherki, who put in a perfect delivery into the box.
In the furtherance of his blooming career, Lukeba made a sensational move to the German club RB Leipzig on August 11, 2023, in a deal reportedly worth €34 million. He committed to a five-year contract with the club.
He was so excited to join the club as he said, “I was extremely keen on joining RB Leipzig and moving to the Bundesliga, so I’m really happy that the move is now complete. I’m excited by the training ground, the stadium, the city and, above all, the team with all the young players. I can’t wait to play football here.”
Lukeba linked with Manchester United in potential move
Despite making a recent transfer from Lyon to RB Leipzig in the summer, Castello Lukeba has made a considerable impact, contributing to Leipzig’s successful start to the season with 16 appearances across various competitions. Hence, he has caught the attention of Manchester United manager, Erik Ten Hag who is now willing to buy the player.
RB Leipzig invested €34 million (£30 million) in acquiring Lukeba from Lyon in August, and there is a reported 20% sell-on clause in his contract, indicating that Manchester United might need to pay a premium if they pursue the defender’s services in the upcoming transfer windows.
Castello Lukeba, who is immensely talented in the full-back position, may bring some stability to Manchester United’s defense if the move pulls through. But what do you think? Tell us in the comments section.
