Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are eyeing a move for a £52 million Bundesliga defender who could be a perfect fit for Rúben Amorim’s system.
Manchester United are still adapting to life under Rúben Amorim, despite several positive showings during the pre-season tour of the United States. The poor start to the season has created doubts over the current boss, but it appears he will stay in charge for the time being.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly backed Amorim last week, so Jason Wilcox must focus on signing a new midfielder in the January transfer window. Amorim is desperate for a new engine room player with the performances of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte this season.
While United have recently been handed a huge blow for one midfield target, they must continue to focus on a new signing in January. Midfield will be the focus, but United should also consider signing a new central defender.
Harry Maguire has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent weeks, and Lisandro Martínez could take several months to get back to his former level when he returns from injury in the coming weeks.
Goal-scoring seems to be the main issue at United this season, as it was last year, but there have also been issues at the back. Senne Lammens was impressive on his debut against Sunderland, but he can’t solve all the problems on his own.
United eye move for Lukeba
Castello Lukeba is a 22-year-old centre-back for RB Leipzig, who has won plaudits for his impressive one-on-one record when left to defend the wide areas. The Frenchman has a £52 million release clause, and the German club looks set to lose him in the summer.
Mark Brus – a chief editor for Caught Offside – has reported that Chelsea are set to rival Liverpool for Lukeba’s signature, while United are also interested in signing the defender.
Champions League football is seen as crucial for Lukeba, so United must show serious signs of improvement under Amorim if they are to beat the other two Premier League sides to sign Lukeba.
The left-footed centre-back has played in a back three before, and his pace makes him an ideal candidate for Amorim’s left-centre-back position. United’s defenders are often left running back towards their own goal, something Lukeba wouldn’t worry about, unlike Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw.
At £52 million, Lukeba would be a great opportunity for United to sign another young, promising central defender. The former Olympique Lyonnais defender would join Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven as high-potential centre-backs at Old Trafford.
Lukeba interest creates doubts over Shaw’s future
Shaw has been ever-present in the Premier League this season, with several good performances alongside Matthijs de Ligt. However, Martínez’s imminent return and interest in Lukeba creates a doubt over his future at the club.
The England international has struggled with injuries since his leg break in the Netherlands, but has shown that he is one of the best left-backs in world football. Shaw has continued to impress in central defence, but may be forced out of the club at the end of the season.
Read More: Manchester United star set to miss Liverpool match after “extensive treatment” on international duty
Heaven will be pushing for a first-team spot by the end of the season, and Martínez was one of the best players last season before his injury in February.
If United sign Lukeba as well, Shaw will be competing with three left-footed centre-backs for his spot in the side, as the only unnatural central defender. He may be forced into looking for another club if he wants to continue playing regular football.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.