Virgil van Dijk’s contract expires coming summer and Liverpool have been searching far and wide for replacements. Although there have been no explicit details confirming the defender’s exit, The Reds are probably preparing for the worst.
Contract extensions have been complicated at the club with Arne Slot publicly hinting at no movement from the management. Other players like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold also have pending extensions delayed.
The players and management are focused on the season at the moment and further confirmations are only expected by the end of the season. With the future at stake, the Reds have been keenly following Bundesliga defender Castello Lukeba.
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Castello Lukeba’s release clause slashed as Liverpool intensifies interest
Lukeba’s release clause has been slashed by £8 million in his new contract (Credits: Imago Images)
Castello Lukeba has been on Liverpool’s card for a while now. With a potential Van Dijk exit, it is logical to focus on the future. However, clubs like Manchester United are also in the race as the Reds face competition on every end.
RMC Sport reported earlier about the Merseysiders’ interest in Lukeba. Luckily for the Reds, Castello has signed a contract extension with RB Leipzig wherein there have been net negative changes in the release clause.
According to Sky Sports Germany, the French defender recently signed a contract extension with the German giants. As new terms emerged, the release clause was slashed by around £8 million.
This is great news for Liverpool as they can make a move if Virgil van Dijk’s move is confirmed. Lukeba had a £75 million release clause in his previous contract. In the new one, the price tag has become £66 million for the summer of 2026.
The agreement between Castello Lukeba and RB Leipzig is already sealed. Done deal. New contract will expire in 2029 and salary rise has been included.
–Fabrizio Romano via X (formerly Twitter)
Reds shift focus to ‘Sadio Mané 2.0’
Omar Marmoush is also on the Reds’ radar (Credits: Imago Images)
In other news, Liverpool have also set their eyes on a ‘Sadio Mané 2.0’. The Reds have marked Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush as another target for the upcoming transfer window.
The Egyptian is tearing up Europe with a top spot in both the goalscorers and assist providers chart in the Bundesliga. He has already racked up 10 goals and seven assists in 11 appearances for The Red Eagles.
Marmoush has cleared that playing in the Premier League remains his dream. With mutual interest, the Reds might find an easy deal with the player’s camp.
