Liverpool could be on the verge of a significant defensive reinforcement this summer, with fresh reports indicating the club has shifted its stance on the centre-back market amid ongoing uncertainty over Ibrahima Konaté’s future at Anfield.
While contract talks with the French international have progressed without a decisive breakthrough, the Reds are refusing to risk leaving their squad short. Arne Slot’s side has already shown vulnerability in depth at times this season, compounded by Joe Gomez’s recurring injury issues. With that in mind, Liverpool appear ready to act decisively if Konaté does not commit long-term.
The latest twist comes from Germany, where Sky Germany reports that RB Leipzig are now open to selling Castello Lukeba—a player long linked with a move to the Premier League and Anfield specifically. Leipzig would reportedly prefer to cash in on the 23-year-old French centre-back rather than lose rising star Yan Diomande, who only arrived from Spain a year ago and remains a key part of their plans for at least another season.
Lukeba, capped six times by France, has established himself as a reliable Bundesliga performer since joining Leipzig from Lyon three years ago, amassing nearly 100 appearances. Although his contract includes a hefty $92 million (£70 million) release clause, sources suggest the German club would be willing to sanction a deal for around $72 million (£55 million) — a notable discount that could make the move highly attractive for Liverpool.
This development represents something of a U-turn in the transfer landscape. Earlier indications pointed to Leipzig holding firm on their valuation, but with both the player and club seemingly open to a new challenge after three productive years, the door has swung open for serious negotiations. Liverpool, having already secured the high-profile signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for approximately $83 million (£60 million) (with the 20-year-old set to arrive this summer), and with young Italian defender Giovanni Leoni working his way back from a serious ACL injury, would still benefit from an experienced option to ease the transition.
Bringing in a proven performer like Lukeba would provide immediate quality and leadership in the heart of defence, reducing the pressure on the promising but inexperienced Jacquet and Leoni to deliver at the highest level straight away. Slot’s squad has looked stretched defensively on occasion, and adding depth of this calibre would strengthen their title-chasing credentials heading into 2026-27.
Another name in the mix remains Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund. The German international has been repeatedly linked with Liverpool, though recent reports from Germany suggested a contract extension was close—comments the player himself pushed back on while on international duty, stating that talks are not at an advanced stage. Should Konaté depart, an experienced head such as Schlotterbeck or Lukeba would offer a more balanced blend of youth and know-how.
For now, all eyes remain on the Konaté situation. Negotiations continue, and the France international has recently given positive signals about Liverpool’s future ambitions. However, with no agreement yet secured, the club is sensibly exploring contingencies.
A move for Lukeba at the suggested $72 million valuation would represent smart business: securing a high-potential, capped French defender at a price below his release clause, while maintaining squad harmony and depth. Whether this “green light” from Leipzig translates into a concrete bid remains to be seen, but the shift in stance has undoubtedly injected fresh momentum into Liverpool’s summer planning.
The coming weeks promise to be pivotal. As the season draws to a close, Arne Slot and the Anfield hierarchy will be weighing up whether to fight to keep Konaté or pivot swiftly to a high-quality replacement who can help sustain the Reds’ competitive edge for years to come.