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Barcelona target Castello Lukeba to replace Balde before transfer deadline

According to The Athletic, FC Barcelona has identified RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba as the priority successor to Alejandro Balde, whose departure is being considered before September 1st. Olympique Lyonnais, which holds 20% of any future sale profit, could benefit financially from the move.

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Barcelona target Castello Lukeba to replace Balde before transfer deadline
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FC Barcelona has targeted Castello Lukeba as a potential replacement for Alejandro Balde, according to The Athletic journalist Mario Cortegana. The 23-year-old French defender, under contract with RB Leipzig, is described as the Catalan club’s favorite to occupy the left flank if Balde leaves the club before the summer transfer window closes on September 1st.

Hansi Flick is reportedly a keen admirer of the French international — with one cap to date — because of his versatility. Lukeba plays primarily in central defense at Leipzig, but is equally comfortable as a left-back, which matches precisely the profile sought by the German manager.

No fee has yet been mentioned in negotiations, but Transfermarkt values Lukeba at 50 million euros. For Barcelona, the priority remains first to sell Balde: the club is demanding a minimum of 30 million euros for its Spanish left-back, under contract until 2028. Manchester United is among the clubs interested in the 21-year-old player.

Olympique Lyonnais, which sold Lukeba to RB Leipzig for 30 million euros in summer 2023, could benefit from this operation. The Lyon club had negotiated a 20% sell-on clause on any future profit from a resale. If Lukeba were to join Barcelona for a sum higher than his purchase price, OL would receive a significant share of the transaction.

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