RB Leipzig to make fresh approach for Lyon’s Lukeba

Bundesliga side RB Leipzig will re-open negotiations with Lyon for promising French Under-21 international Castello Lukeba, per Foot Mercato. 

The German club plans to submit a new bid for the Lyon academy graduate after Lyon swiftly rejected their initial offer of €26 million.

The French club wants to retain him for at least one more season but Leipzig will return with another offer as they anticipate the departure of Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City. 

City have reportedly reached an agreement for the Croatian player, and Leipzig are awaiting the completion of this deal before proceeding with a new offer for Lukeba.

Lyon have set a price tag of €35 million for the highly-rated defender. Lyon manager Laurent Blanc said they would be open to selling if an offer impresses them.

Lukeba is not participating in Lyon’s pre-season preparations due to his involvement in the Under-21 European Championship. 

Instead, he is training independently in the South of France. The 20-year-old centre-back is to join Laurent Blanc’s squad on July 24.

However, with Leipzig’s potential bid looming, uncertainty surrounds his long-term future.

Lukeba’s rise through the Lyon academy has been noteworthy. He has earned a reputation as one of the brightest prospects in the talent-laden French league. 

Despite his young age, he has established himself as one of the top defenders in Ligue 1. Praised for his defensive skills and ball-playing ability, Lukeba has drawn comparisons to former Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti.

Being a lifelong Lyon fan, Lukeba’s journey with the club began at eight in 2011. His maturity on the field has garnered admiration from coaches and teammates alike. He is an enticing prospect for several top European clubs.

With the potential new bid from RB Leipzig on the horizon, it will be interesting to see whether Lukeba’s next chapter will involve a move to the Bundesliga or if he will remain with his boyhood club for another season.