Castello Lukeba linked with Barcelona as summer 2026 transfer window nears close

RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has emerged as a transfer target for FC Barcelona in the closing days of the summer 2026 transfer window, according to reports published on August 25, 2026. Those reports say Barcelona would consider signing the 23-year-old if Alejandro Balde departs the club.

Barcelona have already added players including Rodri, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi this summer and remain active in the market as they seek a striker, with links to Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez reported; the club’s need for a left‑side option has prompted interest in Lukeba. Sources cited in the coverage include @MarioCortegana and @theathleticfc, and the reports name Hansi Flick as a strong admirer of Lukeba’s ability to operate both at centre‑back and at left‑back.

Lukeba was born in Lyon, France, on December 17, 2002, and joined Olympique Lyonnais’ youth academy in 2011. He progressed through the Lyon system and made his senior debut in the 2021‑22 season, going on to make 58 appearances for the club’s first team before leaving.

Standing 1.84m tall and left‑footed, Lukeba can play as a centre‑back or as a left‑back, traits noted by the reports as adding tactical versatility. RB Leipzig signed him from Lyon in 2023 for a reported fee of €34 million, and the coverage describes him as having become an important player for the Bundesliga club.

On the international stage, Lukeba has represented France at several youth levels and was part of the French Olympic squad at the 2024 Paris Games; he also holds one senior France cap. Those international appearances are cited alongside the transfer speculation in the reports.

The coverage also links Lukeba with interest from Manchester United and notes that Manchester United have been seeking defensive reinforcements; separate rumours mentioned in the reports have also associated Manchester United with Alejandro Balde. Barcelona’s potential pursuit of Lukeba is presented in the context of those wider transfer movements.

Lukeba’s current contract with RB Leipzig runs until June 2029, and with only days remaining in the summer 2026 transfer window the reports indicate Barcelona could move for him as a replacement should Alejandro Balde leave the club during this window.