Castello Lukeba’s RB Leipzig future in doubt as defender changes agency

Castello Lukeba’s future at RB Leipzig is becoming increasingly uncertain, with the France international attracting interest ahead of the next summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old central defender, who is of Angolan descent, is understood to be considering the next step in his career and has ambitions of joining a leading European club.

According to journalist Philipp Hinze, Lukeba has left BS Group International and joined Excellence Sport Nation, a new agency which will represent him for the next stage of his career. A move to FC Barcelona is reportedly among his major ambitions.

Lukeba had already considered leaving RB Leipzig last summer, although no transfer materialised. His current release clause is €80m, but that figure is expected to fall to €65m from the summer of 2027.

The situation could become increasingly relevant for RB Leipzig, who will need to generate more than €100m in gross transfer revenue next summer. That target could rise further if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League.

As a result, the sale of a player such as Lukeba could provide a solution for the German club. However, the defender remains under contract at RB Leipzig until 30 June 2029.

Lukeba joined RB Leipzig after beginning his career with Olympique Lyonnais. Transfermarkt values him at €50m, while his annual salary in Germany is listed as €3,000,000, equivalent to 1,950,000,000 FCFA.

The defender’s development and contract situation have placed him among the players whose futures could attract significant attention during the next transfer window. His potential departure would also give RB Leipzig an opportunity to meet their financial target through a major sale.

For now, Lukeba remains part of the RB Leipzig squad. The club are due to play their ninth league match of the season against Augsburg in the German championship.