Barcelona revive Lukeba interest: centre-back back on Deco’s radar | OneFootball

Castello Lukeba is back on Barcelona’s radar. The RB Leipzig center-back was already linked with the Blaugrana side during the last transfer window, and now he is once again gaining traction as one of the options to strengthen a defense that has suffered another setback with Andreas Christensen’s injury.

At 23, Lukeba has several of the qualities the sporting department is looking for: he is left-footed, quick, physically strong, and capable of building play from the back.

According to transfer specialist journalist Ekrem Konur, Barcelona are still closely monitoring the defender, and Hansi Flick has received positive reports on his profile. The German coach believes his style could adapt well to Barça’s playing model.

Lukeba would prioritize Barcelona

The defender already tried to leave Leipzig last summer, although he ultimately did not receive an offer that met his expectations.

Now, that possibility could open up again.

Lukeba would be willing to listen to Barcelona if the club decides to move for him in January or during next summer’s transfer window. In addition, the Frenchman would prioritize an offer from Barça over any options he may receive from the Premier League.

Leipzig, for their part, would be willing to negotiate a deal close to €65 million, although that figure could drop if the player maintains his desire to leave the Bundesliga.

Deco already wanted a left-footed center-back

Signing a defender with these characteristics was already part of Deco’s plans during the last transfer window.

The sporting director felt it was necessary to add a quick, left-footed center-back to the squad, even holding talks over Alessandro Bastoni, although the move did not progress.

Hansi Flick’s stance ultimately shifted the planning toward attack. Barcelona decided to focus a large part of their resources on strengthening the forward positions and eventually signed Gabriel Jesus after failing to complete the arrival of a top-level center-forward.

Meanwhile, in defense, the departures of Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde did not materialize, and Ronald Araújo left on loan. The lack of movement ultimately left the squad without the left-footed center-back Deco wanted.

Christensen changes the picture again

Christensen’s injury has once again put the spotlight on the defense.

Although Barcelona still intend not to make too many moves in January, a major sale could alter their plans and create financial room to bring in a new player.

Lukeba therefore emerges as a top-level option with plenty of room for growth.

The Frenchman came through Olympique Lyon’s youth ranks and was signed by Leipzig at just 20 years old for around €30 million. Since then, his value has risen considerably, and he has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most outstanding young defenders.

A center-back with the Barça profile

Lukeba stands out in particular for his pace when recovering in open space, an important quality for a team that often defends with a high line.

To that physical ability he adds strong ball-playing skills, which explains why his profile is attractive to Barcelona.

The defender is also part of the French national team’s project. Although he missed the first call-up of the new Zinedine Zidane era due to muscular issues, the coach has made it clear that he sees him as part of the future.

Barça had already assessed him, and now Christensen’s injury has put his name back on the table. January may be too soon, but next summer looks like a far more realistic window for trying to bring Lukeba to Camp Nou.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.