Barcelona Eyes New Striker While Keeping Centre-Back Option Open
Barcelona is actively working to strengthen its squad as the summer transfer window progresses. With the recent additions of Rodri and Joao Cancelo, the club now focuses on securing a new striker. However, the ongoing activities in the transfer market, including the loan of Ronald Araujo, have kept the option of acquiring a new centre-back on the table.
According to reports, Barcelona remains open to the possibility of signing a new centre-back, depending largely on their efforts to bring a striker on board. Notable journalist Gerard Romero has indicated that RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba is a player Hansi Flick is keen on, should Barcelona decide to pursue a top-class centre-back.
Lukeba, who is known for his ball-playing abilities, currently competes for RB Leipzig after joining in 2023. The 23-year-old French defender has already made over 100 competitive appearances for the team, showcasing his athletic prowess and skill in advancing the ball from the back. Being left-footed, he could serve as a potential replacement for Inigo Martinez.
However, securing Lukeba from Leipzig poses several challenges. The Bundesliga team has already lost key players like Yan Diomande and Lois Openda this summer, making them reluctant to part with another star defender. While they have signed Maxime Esteve to bolster their defense, losing Lukeba is unlikely.
Additionally, Lukeba’s contract runs until 2029, which empowers Leipzig to demand a significant fee for his transfer. Reports suggest that Barcelona may need to invest over €50 million to secure his services.
Despite the potential pursuit of Lukeba, Barcelona’s top priority for now remains the signing of a new striker, with Julian Alvarez identified as a leading target.
With Rodri and Joao Cancelo already in the bag, all that’s left for Barcelona to do this summer is to secure the signing of a new striker.
However, given the events in the market so far, including the loan of Ronald Araujo, the club have not completely ruled out signing a new centre-back as well.
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A lot of it depends on the pursuit of a new striker, but Barcelona, in fact, remain open to signing a new centre-back.
According to Gerard Romero, Castello Lukeba is someone Hansi Flick is really interested in if Barcelona end up looking for a top class centre-back.
Lukeba is a talented ball-playing centre-back. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
A native of Lyon, Lukeba currently plies his trade with RB Leipzig. He has become a regular for the team after joining the club in 2023, having already racked up over 100 competitive appearances.
Lukeba is an athletic individual, who is good at playing the ball out from the back. His nature as a left-footed centre-back means he could be a natural replacement for Inigo Martinez.
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Aged just 23, Lukeba could be a smart long-term investment as well, especially if he can manage to replicate his performances in the Bundesliga.
Potential roadblocks for Barcelona
However, signing Lukeba from Leipzig is easier said than done.
The Bundesliga giants have already had to part ways with too many stars this summer, including Yan Diomande and Lois Openda.
Lukeba may cost a fortune. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
The club did bring in Maxime Esteve to shore up the defence. But it is unlikely they would want to part ways with the team’s star defender, Lukeba.
Even if they are forced to a sale, the player has a contract until 2029, thus giving Leipzig the leverage to ask for a hefty premium for the Frenchman’s services.
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Keeping that in mind, Barcelona may have to comfortably cough up more than €50 million in order to secure the services of Lukeba.
For now, though, the club’s priority is to sign a new striker, with Julian Alvarez still remaining a top target.
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