- Manchester United keen on Lukeba
- De Ligt’s fitness has been a concern
- The Red Devils set for busy summer
The fitness of Manchester United defender Matthijs De Ligt looks uncertain for the remainder of this season. The Dutchman has not been in action for four months, last featuring under Ruben Amorim.
De Ligt was the nucleus in defence under Amorim, becoming one of United’s first names on the team sheet in the back three system. Since then, United have opted for a back four under Michael Carrick, which would have made for an interesting selection headache for the interim boss.
However, he has not had the chance to as De Ligt’s return has been delayed several times. With just four senior centre-backs to rely on, United may look towards the summer transfer window to bolster their defence.
United keen on Leipzig defender
According to ESPN, United are keen on signing Castello Lukeba from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. The Frenchman is seen as a high-ceiling centre-back, but was not included in France manager Didier Deschamps’ 26-man squad for the current international friendlies.
The 23-year-old has made 22 Bundesliga appearances this season under manager Ole Werner. His last came in the 5-0 hammering of Hoffenheim on 20 March.
Arsenal are also interested in the player, but his chances of regular minutes are clearer at Old Trafford. Lukeba is a left-footed centre back who would add another dimension to the Red Devils’ defence. Only Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven are primarily left-footed senior centre-backs at the club.
Any deal would cost around £52m to £69m. United’s priority is to sign a £80m+ replacement for the outgoing Casemiro. Therefore, any arrivals in less priority areas, such as centre-back, this summer would be quite dependent on departures. The deal would see Lukeba reunited with former teammate Benjamin Sesko.
De Ligt Doubts
United interim coach Michael Carrick could not provide any injury updates on De Ligt when speaking earlier this month. When asked if the Dutchman could return before the end of the season, he said:
“It’s one of those things with backs that, sometimes, you think it’s alright and then, all of a sudden, it’s not quite right. So, we’re just kind of being patient and working through it, and we’ll just have to see.”
Amorim was also hopeful in December, implying that De Ligt would be sidelined for only a ‘few days’ rather than a few months. It makes for a worrying time in his career, as back-related injuries can take a long time to recover from.
De Ligt’s long-term layoff has likely influenced United’s decision to renew Harry Maguire’s contract. The Englishman was out of contract this summer, but is set to sign a one-year extension at Old Trafford. Maguire has been preferred as United’s starting right-sided centre-back in De Ligt’s absence.
Lukeba’s potential arrival would add some depth to the defence, and should not only be a worry for De Ligt. It would take away gametime from the left-footed Martinez. He has done well to come back from two serious injuries, including an ACL tear. However, his value can only be accounted for if he is playing minutes for United.
Martinez’s contract expires in the summer of 2027, so the club will be relaxed. Nonetheless, signing the 23-year-old from Leipzig would give an early indication of the Argentinian’s future at the club beyond his contract.
