Castello Lukeba: Barcelona eye move for RB Leipzig and France defender

Barcelona are weighing up a move for French-Angolan centre-back Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig as they assess options to strengthen their defence for the new La Liga season. The 23-year-old, who represents France and is under contract in Germany until 30 June 2029, has emerged as a target as the Catalan club monitor long-term solutions at the heart of their back line.

Lukeba joined Leipzig from Lyon in August 2023 for a fee of €30 million and has since established himself in the Bundesliga, making 81 league appearances and gaining regular exposure in the Champions League. Primarily a left-footed central defender, he has also featured in the DFB-Pokal and European competitions for the German side, adding continental experience that appeals to Barcelona’s recruitment department.

Leipzig are under no pressure to sell, with Lukeba’s current market valuation at around €50 million and three years still remaining on his deal. Any negotiation is therefore expected to be complex, with the German club likely to seek a significant profit on the player they signed from Lyon.

The Lyon-born defender has already collected notable honours, including winning the German Super Cup with Leipzig in the 2023-24 season and finishing as a silver medallist with France at the 2024 Olympic Games, further enhancing his reputation at club and international level.

For now, Lukeba remains a key part of Leipzig’s plans, tied to the club until 2029, with Barcelona’s interest yet to progress beyond the exploratory stage.