Headline: Barcelona Eyes RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba as Potential Signing
Barcelona is once again on the lookout for a new centre-back, with Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig emerging as a prime target for the La Liga champions. The 24-year-old defender was previously linked to Barcelona during the summer transfer window, although no transfer materialized at that time.
Recent insights from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano indicate that Lukeba would be thrilled at the opportunity to join Barcelona if it arises. He noted, “Lukeba would be delighted to join Barcelona. His dream is to sign for a major European club, and Barça is one of the teams he would like to join,” as reported by SPORT.
Adding to the speculation, Romano mentioned that Lukeba has recently changed agents and is now represented by the same agency as Barcelona star Jules Kounde, suggesting a concerted effort to facilitate a potential move away from RB Leipzig.
While Lukeba is reportedly open to offers, the next step lies with Barcelona and their willingness to make an offer for the French defender. Romano stated, “The player is open to offers, but it is now up to Barcelona to decide what they want to do, when and how much they want to spend.” He also clarified the situation regarding the summer transfer links, noting, “In August, there were many reports of negotiations for Lukeba, but Barcelona never made an offer.”
As Barcelona considers strengthening their defense, the financial aspects come into play. Lukeba currently has a release clause of €80 million with RB Leipzig, which poses a significant challenge for a winter transfer unless Barcelona executes a substantial sale. However, reports suggest that this release clause will decrease to €65 million in the summer of 2027, potentially making the defender a more viable option for the club.
With Lukeba eager to make a move to Barcelona, the club’s next steps will be crucial in determining the outcome of this potential transfer.
