Lukeba Switches to Excellence Sport Agency
RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has changed agent to Excellence Sport as Barcelona look to pursue him for a summer transfer.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Soccer
Castello Lukeba, 23, who plays for RB Leipzig, has signed with Excellence Sport, the agency of Jules Kounde. His new agent met Deco about ten days ago, as Barcelona pursue the defender for a summer move.
Why it matters
Lukeba wants to leave RB Leipzig to join a European heavyweight, but Leipzig have stated they will not let him leave mid-season. A move is not expected in the next winter transfer window, making the upcoming summer window the likely opportunity.
Lukeba's release clause currently stands at £68m (€80m) and falls to £55m (€65m) in June 2027, while his contract runs until June 2029. Liverpool's £46m (€55m) purchase option for Ronald Araujo offers a benchmark for defender valuations in this market.
The players
Castello Lukeba
A 23-year-old central defender playing for RB Leipzig whose ambition to join a top European club has drawn interest from several major teams.
Excellence Sport
A sports agency that also represents Jules Kounde and has taken over Lukeba's representation.
Deco
A former Portugal international and Barcelona sporting director who met Lukeba's new agent about ten days ago.
The details
Lukeba has switched to Excellence Sport, the agency that also represents Jules Kounde, after his new representatives met with Barcelona sporting director Deco about ten days ago. Chelsea and Arsenal are also reportedly monitoring the defender.
Timeline
About ten days before publication: Lukeba's new agent met with Deco.
January 2027: A winter move is considered unlikely.
June 2027: Lukeba's release clause drops to £55m (€65m).
June 2029: Lukeba's current contract expires.
Season Trajectory
Release clauses like Lukeba's give interested clubs a fixed price to meet, which can shape timing in the transfer market. The step-down to £55m (€65m) in June 2027 means the cost of acquiring him will fall in the summer before the clause reduces.
A Lukeba move would depend on whether Barcelona or another club meets the £68m (€80m) clause this season, or waits until the fee drops to £55m (€65m) in June 2027. Fans tracking Leipzig's defensive options should note that a mid-season departure is ruled out by the club.
The takeaway
Release clauses set a fixed price that lets interested clubs act quickly, so timing around the clause's step-down can matter as much as the fee itself. Watch the summer window for any movement on Lukeba.
What happens next
The next realistic opportunity for a Lukeba move is the summer transfer window, when his release clause will be lower than it is now.
Further reading
For more on the transfer market and player moves across Europe, see the Soccer section.
