Newcastle United push to sign highly-rated Bundesliga defender that has been compared to Josko Gvardiol
Newcastle United are hoping to strengthen their defensive options in January
Newcastle United are believed to be eyeing up a move for 21-year-old RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba in the January transfer window.
The Magpies are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements following long-term injuries to both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles. As it stands, the team has Fabian Schar and Dan Burn as the only natural centre back options, with right back Emil Krafth also providing cover in a makeshift capacity.
TeamTalk understands that Newcastle are keen to rectify their defensive issues after a long-running and ultimately unsuccessful pursuit for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as well as a failed approach for ex-Fulham man Tosin Adarabioyo. The outlet claims that Newcastle are planning to contact Lukeba's representatives in the coming weeks to assess the youngster’s openness towards a move to the Premier League.
Who is Castello Lubeka?
Castello Lukeba joined Lyon’s academy at the age of nine and was promoted to the first team in 2021 when he was just 19-years-old. The Frenchman quickly adapted to the demands of Ligue 1 football and after two successful seasons caught the eye of Marco Rose, who brought him to the Red Bull Arena for £28m.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a sensational debut campaign in the Bundesliga and was earmarked as one of the division’s very best performers last term after helping RB Leipzig to a fourth place finish, the round of 16 in the Champions League and also a DFL Supercup trophy. Lukeba made 41 appearances in total across all competitions last term and notably helped Leipzig to record the joint-best defensive record in the Bundesliga by conceding just 29 goals.
The Frenchman was signed as a replacement for Josko Gvardiol and according to Bundesliga.com is blessed with very similar qualities in terms of his reading of the game, timing in the tackle, physicality and ability to distribute the ball from the back.
Newcastle are one of the leading contenders to secure the defender’s signature but are also likely to face competition from the likes of Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Chelsea, according to reports from CaughtOffside.