Lukeba's signing for Barcelona is being prepared
The Frenchman appears as one of the options to strengthen the Azulgrana defense in the upcoming transfer markets.
Castello Lukeba, a 23-year-old central defender, may leave RB Leipzig next summer and is among Deco's targets for the transfer market of FC Barcelona. According to the newspaper SPOR, the German club would be open to considering a Blaugrana offer, and the clause for the Frenchman will drop from 80 to 65 million euros at the end of the season.
The main news is the RB Leipzig's willingness to negotiate. The German club does not intend to part ways with Lukeba in January but is considering his departure in the summer market and could entertain a deal below that 65 million, especially if a satisfactory payment structure is found.
Castello Lukeba may find favorable conditions at RB Leipzig
The precedent of Dani Olmo works in favor of FC Barcelona. When both clubs negotiated his transfer in 2024, Leipzig ultimately agreed to have the payment made in installments after several weeks of discussions between the parties. New gesture from Lukeba to Barcelona.
Barça aims to find a similar formula if they ultimately decide to pursue Castello Lukeba. The clause would set a maximum of 65 million euros starting next summer, although the player’s willingness to leave and Leipzig’s intention to finalize a sale could open the door to negotiating the price and, especially, the terms.
Lukeba has also started to make moves. The Frenchman has changed his representation agency and has joined Excellence Sport Nation, which also works with Jules Koundé. This decision comes after failing to leave the German club during the last summer transfer window.
FC Barcelona is already aware of Castello Lukeba's situation
The first moves between the parties have already taken place. The player's new environment held talks with Deco at the end of October to explore the possibilities of a future signing and to discuss the financial conditions that a deal of this level might demand.
Lukeba's willingness could also carry weight. His priority would be to compete in Spain rather than move to the Premier League, despite interest from England, and Barça is among his preferred destinations. A move to Barcelona would also mean his entry into LaLiga after three seasons in the Bundesliga.
Leipzig has control over the operation, but it won't be a problem
His contractual situation allows Leipzig to negotiate without urgency: Castello Lukeba is under contract until June 2029. His name has been on the table at Barça for months, and in August he was already seen as one of the options that most convinced Hansi Flick for adding a left-footed center-back.
The next step will depend on the economic planning of FC Barcelona for next summer. If the club generates sufficient margin and decides to invest in a center-back to compete in LaLiga, the reduction of the clause to 65 million and the possible facilities offered by RB Leipzig will place Castello Lukeba in a favorable position for discussions to advance.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Se prepara el fichaje de Lukeba por el Barcelona