ไทย
English
中國人
As Alejandro Balde edges closer to leaving Barcelona, the reigning Spanish champions have reportedly identified RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba as a likely successor.
Once João Cancelo made his return to Catalonia last winter, Balde's standing in Hansi Flick's squad became increasingly uncertain. The Spanish fullback was quickly dropped from Barcelona's starting eleven and left to fight for playing time on the left side. Injury absences only further damaged his prospects.
Balde had been linked with a departure ahead of the World Cup, but speculation faded until Flick omitted him from the squad for the club's La Liga season opener on Sunday, stating the fullback "was not 100% focused here." A departure now appears inevitable, with Barcelona bracing for a potential late signing before the transfer window shuts.
The Athletic reports that the Catalans are keeping tabs on Lukeba, who is capable of operating at both center back and left back. Flick is described as a "big admirer" of the French defender, though any move hinges on Balde completing his exit first.
Lukeba developed through Lyon's academy before making the switch to Leipzig prior to the 2023–24 campaign. The 23-year-old has since accumulated 102 appearances for the German club and penned a contract extension running through 2029.
Why Lukeba Gives Barcelona the Best of Both Worlds
On the surface, it may appear strange that Barcelona would pursue a natural center back to fill Balde's void. However, the defending Spanish champions already boast sufficient cover at left back.
Beyond Cancelo, who signed a three-year contract with the Catalans after parting ways with Al Hilal, Flick can also call upon Gerard Martín and Xavi Espart. The latter played the full 90 minutes in the club's commanding 5–0 victory over Elche at the weekend, contributing an assist in the process.
Espart's limited experience remains a concern; the 19-year-old has made just seven senior appearances for Barcelona. Nevertheless, he is more than capable of stepping in for La Liga fixtures against weaker opposition when Cancelo requires a breather.
Martín represents the more reliable choice for Flick, yet he has been repositioned as a center back, slotting in alongside Pau Cubarsí in place of Iñigo Martínez. Lukeba's arrival could allow Martín to revert to his natural role when necessary, or provide Flick with an additional left-back option while keeping Martín at the heart of defense.
The prospective signing would also address Flick's pressing need for center back cover following Ronald Araújo's season-long loan move to Liverpool — not to mention the club has yet to find a replacement for Martínez.
What Must Happen for Barcelona to Acquire Lukeba
Above all else, the Catalans must first move Balde on before pursuing Lukeba — or any other target. Manchester United, who are in the market for a left back, have been linked with Balde, though the Red Devils are reportedly reluctant to meet Barcelona's asking price of $52.5 million (€45 million), according to The Athletic.
The English club is instead pushing for a loan arrangement, but Barcelona have no desire to let Balde leave "on the cheap," particularly given that Leipzig are believed to value Lukeba at $58.4 million (€50 million).
Should Barcelona be compelled to accept a lower fee for Balde, they could offset the shortfall through further La Masia sales. Both Marc Casadó and Héctor Fort are anticipated to depart before the window closes, generating additional funds to support a bid for Lukeba.
Signing another defender could be viewed as a luxury rather than an urgent necessity, however, especially given that the club has yet to add a striker to their squad.