Manchester City’s ‘main transfer target’ identified as Pep Guardiola looks to rebuild defence for Premier League title charge

Manchester City are reportedly determined to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba in order to bolster their defence ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Pep Guardiola‘s side emerged as 5-2 victors against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, though they had to come back from a two-goal deficit to claim all three points.

However, the Citizens are only in fifth place with 55 points – one more than sixth-placed Chelsea – and face a battle to qualify for the Champions League.

The champions’ poor showings can be excused by key injuries to an extent, but they will almost certainly need to spend significantly in the summer to mount a title challenge next season.

Fichajes reports that Leipzig centre-back Lukeba is among City’s top transfer targets, and they claim the Citizens are prepared to pay £60m to secure his services.

© Imago

Is Lukeba the right target for City?

Lukeba’s campaign with Leipzig has been mixed, with his club at risk of failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons given they are in fourth place in the Bundesliga and are just two points ahead of fifth-placed Mainz 05.

The French defender is able to operate in central areas as well as out wide as a left-back, and his versatility could be key in Guardiola’s fluid system.

It should be noted that Lukeba has suffered two muscle injuries this season – including a hamstring injury that lasted 58 days – and he has missed 14 games so far this term.

If City can keep him fit, his skill set as a specialist channel defender could be key to preventing counter-attacks from becoming dangerous.

© Imago

What else do City need?

The return of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri will be significant for the club’s chances of winning the Premier League next season, though it would not be surprising if he took some time to get back up to speed following his injury.

Goalkeeper Ederson has often been linked with an exit in recent seasons, and the champions may need to look for a new shot-stopper should the Brazilian depart.

However, the team’s biggest need will undoubtedly be to find a successor to Kevin De Bruyne, who will leave the Etihad upon the expiry of his contract in the summer.

City have been credited with an interest in attackers such as Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, and should either arrive in Manchester, Guardiola’s chances of winning a seventh Premier League title would be significantly boosted.

ID:570247:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5378: