Barcelona view Castello Lukeba as the defensive answer to possible Alejandro Balde exit

Barcelona have made RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba their leading option should Alejandro Balde leave the club during the current summer transfer window, with manager Hansi Flick understood to be a strong supporter of the proposed move.

The Catalan club continue to monitor the market for defenders, according to The Athletic, and Lukeba has been under consideration for several weeks. The 23-year-old France international is seen as an attractive candidate because he can operate both as a centre-back and at left-back.

Lukeba is 1.84m tall and left-footed, qualities that fit Barcelona’s search for a defender capable of contributing in more than one position. His ability to cover at full-back could become particularly important if Balde departs this summer.

The financial details of a potential transfer remain dependent on negotiations with RB Leipzig. Lukeba had an €80m release clause available during the current window, but the deadline for activating it has already passed. His contract will contain a new release clause worth €65m from next summer.

That could leave room for Barcelona and RB Leipzig to discuss a lower fee before the current transfer window closes. Sky Sport Germany reports that the German club would be prepared to listen to offers, with the eventual transfer fee potentially falling between €45m and €50m.

The amount would be considerably below the €80m clause that was available earlier in the summer. However, any move is still linked to the possibility of Balde leaving Barcelona, meaning the club’s plans for Lukeba could depend on developments elsewhere in their squad.

Flick is one of the main figures encouraging Barcelona to pursue the defender. The German coach knows Lukeba well and is believed to have a particularly high regard for his abilities.

Flick followed Lukeba’s progress closely during the defender’s time at RB Leipzig, where he established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most promising young defenders. His development has strengthened the case for Barcelona to consider him as part of their long-term defensive planning.

Lukeba began his career in the Olympique Lyonnais academy before moving to RB Leipzig in 2023. He quickly became an important member of the German side’s squad and continued to build a reputation as a defender with significant potential.

His speed when defending away from his own penalty area, his capacity to recover in open spaces and his quality when bringing the ball out from defence all match the attributes Barcelona are seeking.

Those characteristics, combined with his versatility and left-footed profile, explain why Lukeba has moved to the top of Barcelona’s list of alternatives if Balde’s future at the club changes this summer.