Newcastle United appear ready to reignite their rivalry with Liverpool this time, in the transfer market. Following the tension that surrounded Alexander Isak’s controversial move to Anfield in the summer, reports now claim that Newcastle are determined to beat Liverpool to the signing of one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, Castello Lukeba.
The French centre-back has been turning heads in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, and both Premier League clubs are said to be closely monitoring his situation ahead of 2026.
For Newcastle, this chase represents more than just a potential signing; it’s a statement of intent. After a turbulent summer where they were forced into last-minute business following a series of failed pursuits, Eddie Howe’s side still feels incomplete.
The club’s recruitment strategy took a hit when top targets like Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro slipped away, forcing them to pivot toward Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa as emergency signings.
That late scramble, however, did bring an unexpected success story. Woltemade, the young German forward, has hit the ground running with three goals in his first four Premier League appearances.
His blend of physical strength, intelligent movement, and technical ability has made him a fan favourite and justified his record transfer fee. Yet even with Woltemade’s quick adaptation, Newcastle’s attack remains an area of concern.
The statistics tell a troubling story. Only Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals than the Magpies this season.
Half of their total goals have come from Woltemade alone, underlining the lack of consistent firepower across the squad.
Yoane Wissa’s long-awaited debut is expected to offer some relief, but his potential participation in the Africa Cup of Nations could once again leave Newcastle light in attack by January.
That’s why there are whispers that Newcastle could revisit their interest in Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth, who is reportedly open to a move in search of regular playing time.
Still, while attacking options remain a priority, the club’s ownership group, PIF, has also turned attention to strengthening the defence and that’s where Castello Lukeba comes in.
According to reports from Caught Offside, Newcastle have joined Liverpool in pursuit of the 22-year-old, who has quickly become one of the Bundesliga’s most impressive defenders.
Lukeba, a left-footed centre-back known for his composure, tactical awareness, and ability to play out from the back, is seen as a potential long-term successor to Ibrahima Konaté, who left Leipzig for Liverpool in 2021.
What makes the situation particularly enticing for Newcastle is the possibility of a reduced price. While Lukeba’s release clause stands at €90 million (£78 million), it is believed that RB Leipzig would be open to negotiating for a fee closer to €60 million (£52 million).
Considering the defender’s talent, experience, and age, that would represent an exceptional deal — especially for a player whose ceiling continues to rise with every game.
Analysts and scouts across Europe have praised Lukeba for his maturity and “unique” style. Football analyst Ben Mattinson described him as a rare blend of modern athleticism and traditional defensive discipline a player capable of handling high pressing systems while excelling in physical duels.
His reading of the game, combined with his ball-carrying ability, has made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.
For Newcastle, Lukeba could be the ideal partner for Malick Thiaw, forming a youthful yet commanding defensive duo that could define the club’s backline for the next decade.
With stalwarts like Fabian Schär and Jamaal Lascelles entering the later stages of their careers, PIF understands the need to plan for the future. Lukeba’s arrival would not only strengthen the squad but also signal Newcastle’s commitment to building a team capable of competing at the very top.
There’s also an emotional element at play. The Isak saga left a sour taste at St. James’ Park, with Liverpool perceived as the aggressor in prising away Newcastle’s star man.
Landing a major target ahead of the Reds would serve as both symbolic and sporting revenge. It would also mark Newcastle’s growing confidence in the transfer market a reflection of their ambition to rival the Premier League’s elite, not just in spending power but in recruitment intelligence.
Eddie Howe has long emphasized the importance of finding the right profiles rather than simply spending big.
Lukeba fits that philosophy perfectly: young, coachable, versatile, and already operating at a high level in one of Europe’s toughest leagues. Should Newcastle manage to secure his signature, it would be a powerful statement that the club is no longer content to settle for backup plans or second choices.
As the January window approaches, the story is likely to gather momentum. Whether or not Newcastle succeed in landing Lukeba, one thing is clear the club’s owners are no longer content with just participating in the market.
They want to compete, to challenge, and to win battles both on and off the pitch. And in their pursuit of the French defender, Newcastle could be about to prove that their rise among Europe’s elite is no longer a distant dream, but a reality in motion.
