More than 50 million euros: Flick prefers a Bundesliga star to bolster the defence

Potential obstacles: an attacking priority

Hansi Flick has identified his preferred target to reinforce Barcelona's backline, should the club's management push ahead with a new centre-back signing.

According to Gerard Romero, Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba is attracting considerable interest from the German coach. Flick believes the Frenchman would give Barcelona's defence more pace and power, while also bringing a strong ability to build play from the back.

Lukeba arrived from Lyon in 2023 and quickly became a key figure for Leipzig. His official appearances for the club have now passed the 100-match mark.

At 23, he stands out as a left-footed centre-back, a profile that could make him a natural replacement for Iñigo Martínez in Barcelona's plans. His youth and development in the Bundesliga also mark him out as a long-term investment.

A potential obstacle

Prising Lukeba away will not be easy. Leipzig have already lost a number of their prominent players this window, among them Yan Diomande and Loïs Openda.

The German club have signed Maxime Estève to strengthen their defence, but they will not part with one of their most important defenders lightly, particularly with Lukeba tied down until 2029.

That contract hands Leipzig considerable muscle in negotiations, which could force Barcelona to spend more than 50 million euros to land the French defender.

An attacking priority

A new striker remains Barcelona's main priority in the market, with Julián Álvarez among the club's principal targets.

Any move for Lukeba will therefore hinge on the management settling that striker deal first, along with the club's financial situation and their actual need to reinforce the centre-back position.

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