Barcelona monitoring 23-year-old RB Leipzig defender; move dependent on Balde’s sale | OneFootball

Barcelona’s transfer plans could take an unexpected turn before the window closes, with Alejandro Balde’s future now linked to a possible move for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba.

Right now, the focus has been on whether Balde will remain at the club following his recent situation under Hansi Flick. 

But behind that uncertainty sits another important question: what will Barcelona do if he leaves?

According to The Athletic, the left-back’s departure could push Barcelona into the market for another defender. 

Interestingly, the priority would not necessarily be to find a direct replacement at left-back.

Instead, the club is looking closely at the left-sided centre-back position, where they believe the squad lacks a specialist.

On that note, Castello Lukeba is one of the names being monitored, and Flick is a strong admirer of the RB Leipzig defender. 

Barcelona are interested in Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

However, the move is not expected to move forward unless the club first make space through a departure.

Balde’s future to influence Barcelona’s transfer plans

The situation is simple. If Balde stays, Barcelona’s defensive plans are likely to remain unchanged. 

However, an exit would create both space in the squad and the need for Flick to reconsider the balance of his backline.

The obvious move would be to sign another left-back, but Barcelona appear to be looking at the situation differently.

The club believe they are short of a natural left-footed centre-back. 

Gerard Martin can operate in that role, but he is also an option at left-back, meaning Barcelona do not have much depth when it comes to specialists on the left side of central defence.

This explains why Balde’s possible departure could lead to a centre-back signing rather than a straightforward replacement on the left. 

Castello Lukeba fits the profile

Hansi Flick is a big admirer of Castello Lukeba. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

As such, Lukeba has emerged as a player Barcelona are monitoring at the moment.

The 23-year-old offers something Flick values highly: versatility. He can operate as a centre-back while also being comfortable at left-back, giving the Barcelona coach another option across the defensive line.

More importantly, he would address the specific need Barcelona see on the left side of their central defence.

The French defender has already attracted attention as a possible solution for Flick, who is understood to be a major admirer of his profile. 

However, it is important to note that this is not yet an operation ready to accelerate. 

Barcelona first need clarity on Balde’s future, as without a significant departure, there is little room for the club to make serious progress on another defensive signing.