From the Bundesliga: the Olmo scenario brings Barcelona closer to a defensive deal
Barcelona replicate the Olmo deal to tempt Lookman
French defender Castello Lukeba has decided to force the issue, pushing Leipzig to let him leave the German club.
Lukeba sits among the targets Barcelona want to sign to strengthen their defensive line.
According to Sport, citing Sky Germany, the defender has switched agencies to smooth a move next summer.
Sky Germany say the player grew frustrated with his previous agents, who failed to find him a new destination last summer.
He has now handed his future to Excellence Sport Nation, the agency that also represents Jules Koundé, to manage his next steps.
Spain is the priority. Lukeba would rather play there than move to the Premier League, despite holding English offers, and Barcelona rank among his preferred destinations.
The France international is happy to stay at Leipzig until the end of the season, when his release clause drops from 80 to 65 million euros.
Player and club agree that next summer could be the ideal moment to end his Bundesliga journey. Leipzig are open to negotiating a sale that guarantees them a significant financial return.
Barcelona have entered the picture, and the deal is already moving. Lukeba's new agent met Barça sporting director Deco at the end of last month to discuss the centre-back's situation and gauge the chances of getting it done.
Those contacts put initial figures on the table and allowed both sides to explore the terms of any potential negotiation.
The clause will stand at 65 million euros, but Leipzig may accept slightly less while offering Barça flexible payment terms. It is a formula similar to the Dani Olmo deal, when the German club also bent to complete the transfer.
Lukeba has no problem playing a personal role in pushing the move through. His desire to play in Spain could prove decisive if the Catalan club decide to go all in.
His technical attributes fit perfectly with the strategic signing Barcelona want at centre-back.
At 23, and under contract until 2029, the defender believes the time has come for a new step in his career.
Changing his agent is the first move in a deal that could gather pace over the coming months.
