Who is Castello Lukeba? RB Leipzig defender linked to Barcelona
(Courtesy : Getty)
Castello Lukeba can be deployed in both centre-back and left-back positions.
With the last few days left in the summer 2026 transfer window, top clubs are still looking to secure last-minute signings. These sides are strengthening their squads for the 2026-27 season and it will be interesting to see what they end up with.
One of the biggest clubs that are still exploring the transfer market is FC Barcelona. They have already secured the signings of Rodri, Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and others to strengthen their squad. They are still in desperate need of a striker and are linked with Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.
One of their star players, Alejandro Balde, might leave the club, and for his replacement, they are eyeing the signing of 23-year-old French defender Castello Lukeba.
Also Read: Top five Julian Alvarez alternatives Barcelona should target this summer ft. Joao Pedro
Castello Lukeba Profile
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- Age: 23
- Position: Centre-Back/Left-Back
- Club: RB Leipzig
Castello Lukeba was born in Lyon, France, on December 17, 2002. During his early days, he started his footballing journey after signing for the youth academy of Olympique Lyonnais. He then established himself as one of the highly rated young defenders in France.
With his 1.84m of height, Lukeba has strong control in the centre-back position. The left-footed star can also operate as a left-back, giving him additional tactical value.
He joined Lyon’s academy in 2011 and eventually made his senior debut in the 2021-22 season. Castello Lukeba became an important part of the club’s defensive system and made 58 appearances for their senior squad.
In 2023, RB Leipzig approached the Frenchman and signed him for a reported fee of €34 million. He immediately became a crucial player for the Bundesliga club.
Lukeba also represented France at several youth levels and was part of the French Olympic squad at the 2024 Paris Games. He has one senior France cap.
His current contract with RB Leipzig runs till June 2029, but recent rumours first linked him with the Spanish giants Barcelona and then the Premier League giants Manchester United.
The Red Devils have been looking at defensive reinforcements for quite a while now, and Castello Lukeba fits their profile as a defender that they can strongly consider. Some of the latest rumours have also linked Man United with the Spanish star, Alejandro Balde.
He is currently a part of FC Barcelona, and if he leaves, Hansi Flick will be eager to go for Leipzig’s Lukeba. Barca’s manager is a big fan, given the fact that he can play both as a CB and an LB.
Which club does Castello Lukeba play for?
He is currently a part of the Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, having joined them from Lyon in 2023 for a reported €34 million.
What positions can Castello Lukeba play?
Lukeba is versatile and can operate as a centre‑back and also as a left‑back, making him a valuable tactical option.
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Dilpreet is a dedicated football writer with a keen eye for World Football. As a proud Real Madrid fan, we believe his work reflects the same ambition and precision. Since joining Khel Now in 2025, he has crafted stories beyond scores, diving into tactics, culture, and emotion. With a strong background in content writing, he blends clarity with creativity, always aiming to bring the beautiful game closer to readers.