Bundesliga defender emerges as Barcelona’s leading target as €65m release clause offers an opportunity

Bundesliga defender emerges as Barcelona’s leading target as €65m release clause offers an opportunity According to SPORT , RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has emerged as Barcelona’s priority target to reinforce the centre-back position. Moreover, the French defender has taken an important step towards a potential transfer to Catalonia after changing his representatives and joining the agency that also manages Barça star Jules Kounde, ‘Excellence Sport’. Lukeba at the top of Barcelona’s wishlist Barcelona have been monitoring Lukeba for quite some time now. His performances with RB Leipzig have seen him get established as one of the most talented young centre-backs in Europe. The fact that he is a left-footed central defender and possesses the qualities that would make him a very good fit into Hansi Flick’s tactical setup have made him an attractive option for the La Liga champions. After all, the 23-year-old defender combines physical strength, aerial ability and composure in possession. That, coupled with his ground speed, could make him suitable addition in Barcelona’s high-defensive line system under Flick. Castello Lukeba on Barcelona’s agenda. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) The Catalan club had previously explored the possibility of signing him but decided against making a major investment in central defence. However, he is back on the agenda and is seen as a more appealing target compared to Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni. Lukeba open to Barcelona move Furthermore, the report states that Lukeba keen to leave Germany in search of a project capable of competing for major trophies. Barcelona are understood to be his preferred destination , and his change of representation could help facilitate discussions over a possible move. After all, the Blaugrana’s sporting director Deco recently held a meeting with a representative from Excellence Sport, with a move for the Frenchman among the topics discussed. Lukeba’s release clause set to drop to €65m in the summer. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) However, as things stand, a January transfer is considered highly unlikely, with RB Leipzig unwilling to let the defender leave during the winter window. Things could be much easier in the summer, though, as Lukeba’s release clause is set to decrease from €80 million to €65 million in June, providing Barcelona an opportunity. That figure could potentially be negotiated further if the player makes his preference for a move to Catalonia clear. His salary is also expected to be more manageable than that of Bastoni. Barcelona have already begun making enquiries, but any serious attempt to complete the transfer is expected to take place in the summer.