Barcelona’s search for a new defender could still produce a late surprise, with RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba among the players appreciated by the club, reports SPORT.
As reported before, sporting director Deco has not completely ruled out another signing before the transfer window closes.
Barcelona are still assessing the centre-back market, particularly for a player capable of fitting into Hansi Flick’s demanding system.
On that note, Lukeba is not a new name on Barcelona’s radar, as the Frenchman has been linked with the club for several months and his profile continues to attract interest.
However, any potential Castello Lukeba to Barcelona transfer would come with a major financial obstacle.
Barcelona interested in Lukeba as Deco studies options
Deco is continuing to look at possible options as Barcelona consider whether to make a new centre-back signing.
The club have been linked with several defenders in recent months, including Aymeric Laporte, while the search for a left-sided centre-back remains part of the planning around the squad.
Castello Lukeba is liked by Barcelona. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Lukeba fits that profile in several ways, as the RB Leipzig defender is comfortable playing on the front foot and does not simply sit deep and wait for attacks to develop.
That is particularly important in Flick’s system, as Barcelona often ask their defenders to operate high up the pitch, which places greater emphasis on pace and recovery speed.
Lukeba’s ability to carry the ball and play progressive passes is another reason why he has caught attention.
He can help move possession through the lines rather than relying only on safe passes.
Lukeba is an expensive target
The biggest issue surrounding a possible Barcelona transfer for Castello Lukeba is the price.
Lukeba has an €80 million release clause, although SPORT suggests that RB Leipzig could potentially accept a lower fee in the right circumstances.
Castello Lukeba will require a major financial investment. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
Even with a reduced asking price, Barcelona would likely need to make a significant investment to bring the French defender to Camp Nou.
From a sporting perspective, Lukeba makes sense for Barcelona.
He has the technical ability required to play in a possession-based side, while his speed could help deal with one of the biggest demands of Flick’s system.
The question is whether Barcelona can make the numbers work.
An €80 million release clause would make the deal difficult, and even a lower fee would represent a major commitment for a player competing for a place in an already evolving defensive unit.
For that reason, Lukeba may depend on whether Barcelona can negotiate favourable terms or whether other, more affordable options become available.