Barcelona will try to sign at least one new player when the winter transfer window opens in January, with Hansi Flick’s squad currently short in a couple of positions. There are gaps in central defence and at striker, although it is much more likely that someone arrives to reinforce the former.
Barcelona tried to sign a new centre-back late in the summer, but after FC Twente knocked back offers for Ruud Nijstad, they ultimately decided to wait until 2027. In the weeks since the transfer window closed, they have been drawing up a shortlist of targets, and one player that features prominently is Castello Lukeba.
Barcelona want to sign a left-sided central defender, and Lukeba fits the bill. He is considered to be more attainable than the likes of Aymeric Laporte or Nico Schlotterbeck, and according to Ekrem Konur (via Sport), the RB Leipzig man has given the green light for the Catalan club to make an attempt to sign him as early as January.
Lukeba prioritising Barcelona move
Lukeba also has interest from Premier League clubs, but he is clear that Barcelona would be his preferred choice for a move in 2027. He has many chances to end up at the Spotify Camp Nou, given that Hansi Flick is reportedly a big fan, and he sees the France international as being capable of fitting seamlessly into his system.
At this stage, Barcelona have not made a final decision on who to target during the winter transfer window. Flick and sporting director Deco will come to a conclusion closer to the end of the year, but Lukeba should be in with a good chance of being on the final shortlist of options that are considered. There will be further candidates added into the mix over the coming weeks, so it is hard to say at this stage who will be the one sought.
