Who is Castello Lukeba? Lyon's young defender scouted by Man Utd

Stuart Telford

• 15 Feb 2023 19:32 GMT
• 3 min read

Castello Lukeba is reportedly considered a 'generational talent' in his position by Manchester United's recruitment team, but what else if there to know about the young centre-back?

Lukeba is a graduate of Lyon's fabled academy and has already racked up 52 appearances in all competitions despite only turning 20 in December.

A France under-21 centre-back, he is now plying his trade under a great of the position in French World Cup winner Laurent Blanc, who replaced Peter Bosz as head coach at the Groupama Stadium in October.

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A left footer, Lukeba would be competing with Erik ten Hag favourite if he arrived at Old Trafford, but with five years on the Argentine, his acquisition could nonetheless be a shrewd one.

What position does Lukeba play in?

Lukeba is a left-footed centre-back who is equally happy playing as one half of a central defensive partnership as he is lining up on the left of a back three.

How good is Lukeba?

Lukeba is a physical specimen, whose pace and power looks likely to extend the career of the now 33-year-old Dejan Lovren at Lyon, such is his ability to race back and cover the veteran, who has lost a yard of pace.

READ: Malo Gusto: Chelsea sign one of Europe's biggest full-back prospects

Lukeba also boasts a fine reading of the game, with two interceptions per 90 minutes this season, as well as completed an average of 62 passes per match played.

What clubs are interested in Lukeba?

Chelsea reportedly had a €43 million bid for Lukeba turned down in December before signing Benoit Badiashile from Monaco instead.

If the Todd Boehly's recent recent transfer activity is anything to go by, the Blues can't be ruled out of another move, and United will be keen to beat them to Lukeba having missed out to Chelsea on his Lyon teammate Malo Gusto.

When does Lukeba's contract expire?

Lukeba's contract at the Groupama Stadium runs until 30 June 2025, which he signed last January.

How old is Lukeba?

Born on 17 December 2002, Lukeba is 20 at the time of writing.

What is Lukeba's Instagram?

Lukeba's Instagram can be found under the handle jrcastello_. He has 33.7k followers as of February 2023.