Barcelona will reportedly demand €60 million to sell 25-year-old utility man Jules Kounde, a target for Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
According to a report by SPORT, as relayed by Sport Witness, Jules Kounde faces an uncertain future at FC Barcelona heading into the summer transfer window. The Catalan giants want to recoup by selling the 25-year-old utility man. Meanwhile, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are keen on signing him, with the Blues having an advantage in the chase.
Jules Kounde and his Intriguing Barcelona Journey
Jules Kounde has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world in the last few years. But he has had to primarily play as a right-back for Barcelona, with Xavi Hernandez struggling to fill the position during his reign. While Joao Cancelo joined Barcelona last summer, he has played as a left-back in the second half of the 2023/24 season.
However, Kounde has excelled as a right-back, chipping in with three goals and ten assists in 74 appearances thus far for Barcelona. So, the 25-year-old has been a utility man for Barcelona due to his ability to play as a centre-back and a right-back. But he faces an uncertain future at the club due to the never-ending financial issues. Such a situation has piqued the interest of top clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
High in Demand
Chelsea’s interest in Jules Kounde is understandable. The Blues will likely lose Thiago Silva as a free agent in the summer transfer window. In addition, Trevoh Chalobah faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. So, it behoves Chelsea to invest in a centre-back, with the Barcelona defender emerging as a viable target.
As for Liverpool, the Reds are in the market due to the uncertainties surrounding the future of Joel Matip. The Cameroonian defender has entered the final six months of his contract and might leave Liverpool as a free agent. In addition, Virgil van Dijk is on the wrong side of 30. So, Kounde is an option worth considering.
Jules Kounde is also a target for Manchester United. The Red Devils might part ways with Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, and Harry Maguire this summer. So, the Barcelona defender can be the long-term central defensive partner of Lisandro Martinez. Meanwhile, the Blaugrana will demand €60 million to part ways with him this summer.
The report adds that Chelsea might be best placed to secure Kounde’s services. But Liverpool and Manchester United are also capable of paying €60 million. So, it will be interesting to see where the Barcelona defender lands, although he is uninterested in leaving the club.
