Exclusive: Man Utd lead race to sign RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba

7 May 2026 17:57 BST | 4 min read

Steve Kay | Editor

Manchester United have emerged as the frontrunners to sign RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba during the upcoming summer window, FootballTransfers has been told.

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The Red Devils are expected to be fairly active in the market this summer and we understand that Lukeba has been earmarked as the club’s primary defensive target as they look to bolster the first-team squad at Old Trafford.

Current ETV

Castello Lukeba

D (C)

RB Leipzig

Castello Lukeba

D (C)

RB Leipzig

ETV Range

€42.6M - €52.1M

Sources have informed us that Man Utd have already initiated talks with Lukeba’s representatives and they are eager to beat a number of other top clubs to his signature amid historical interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

The 23-year-old has made 99 appearances for Leipzig since his arrival at the club from Lyon in 2023 and Man Utd officials view him as the ideal fit for the club given his composure in possession, the fact he is naturally left-footed and his defensive maturity at such a young age.

Lukeba’s current contract at Leipzig, which runs until 2029, is believed to include an €80 million release clause, but there is an expectation that he will be allowed to depart the Bundesliga outfit for a slightly lower fee this summer.

Exclusive transfer news: Man Utd want to sign Castello Lukeba

Man Utd have been linked with a number of centre-backs in recent weeks, although FootballTransfers has been informed that Lukeba is their primary target and the 13-time Premier League champions are keen to move quickly in order to avoid being dragged into a bidding war this summer.

The Red Devils have already extended Harry Maguire’s contract to ensure he remains at the club next year, but adding a new central defender is still on the club’s radar, while they are also eager to sign at least one central midfielder and possibly a new forward.

We understand that Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers is being pursued by Man Utd ahead of this summer, with the England international believed to be open to the idea of leaving Unai Emery’s side at the end of the current campaign.

He has scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in 51 appearances across all competitions so far this season, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €65.8m.

Before Man Utd make any signings this summer, however, their primary focus will be on appointing a new permanent head coach. Michael Carrick has been in interim charge since the departure of Ruben Amorim earlier this year and he is currently the clear favourite for the job after impressing since his appointment on a caretaker basis.

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