Castello Lukeba emerges as Hansi Flick’s choice to strengthen Barcelona defence

Hansi Flick has identified Castello Lukeba as his preferred option to strengthen Barcelona’s defence if the club decides to sign another centre-back.

According to Gerard Romero, speaking during a live broadcast on the Spanish website Jijantes, Flick is highly interested in the RB Leipzig defender and believes the France international could bring greater pace and physical strength to Barcelona’s back line. The manager also values Lukeba’s ability to help build attacks from deep.

Lukeba joined RB Leipzig from Lyon in 2023 and quickly established himself as an important member of the German club’s squad. He has now made more than 100 official appearances for the club.

The 23-year-old is a left-footed centre-back, a profile that could make him a natural successor to Inigo Martinez within Barcelona’s plans. His age and continued development in the Bundesliga could also make him a long-term investment for the Catalan club.

However, a deal would be difficult to complete, particularly because RB Leipzig have already lost several important players during the current transfer window. Among those departures are Yan Diomande and Lois Openda, increasing the importance of retaining key members of the squad.

RB Leipzig have signed Maxime Esteve to strengthen their defence, but the German club are not expected to be willing to part easily with one of their most important defenders. Lukeba’s contract also runs until 2029, giving RB Leipzig a strong negotiating position.

That situation could force Barcelona to spend more than 50m euros if they want to secure the French defender. The length of Lukeba’s contract means RB Leipzig are under no immediate pressure to sell, while his importance to the team is likely to increase the asking price.

Barcelona’s main priority in the transfer market remains the signing of a new striker. Julian Alvarez continues to be among the club’s principal targets as the club considers how best to strengthen its attack.

Any move for Lukeba is therefore likely to depend on several factors. Barcelona’s administration must first determine whether it can complete the striker deal, while also assessing its financial position and whether reinforcing the centre-back position is an immediate necessity.

Flick’s preference could nevertheless give the club a clear defensive target if Barcelona decide to proceed. Lukeba’s pace, strength, left-footed profile and ability to play out from the back make him an appealing option for the manager, but RB Leipzig’s resistance and the likely cost of the transfer could make negotiations challenging.