With Barcelona gearing up for a summer of restructuring, the club is poised to offload at least two center-backs to bolster their finances. Currently boasting a surplus of defensive options, including Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Inigo Martinez, and Pau Cubarsi, along with the imminent returns of Clement Lenglet and Eric Garcia from loan spells, the Catalan giants are considering strategic moves to trim their squad.
Additionally, there’s speculation surrounding the potential re-signing of Chadi Riad from Real Betis via a buyback clause activation. Lenglet and Garcia are anticipated to seek permanent transfers, but Barcelona might pursue further sales to meet their financial objectives, with Kounde or Christensen potentially on the chopping block. Reports from SPORT suggest that Jules Kounde has attracted significant interest from Premier League powerhouses Chelsea and Manchester United.
Despite inconsistent performances this season, Kounde’s recent adaptability at right-back has caught the attention of scouts. Chelsea, who previously pursued Kounde before his move to Barcelona in 2022, have reignited their interest and reportedly scouted him during a recent match. Meanwhile, Manchester United are eyeing defensive reinforcements amid uncertainties surrounding Raphael Varane’s future, with Kounde emerging as a potential replacement for the French defender. With Kounde’s current market value at โฌ60 million and previous reports indicating his openness to offers, Barcelona could find a lucrative opportunity to offload the talented defender.
Barcelona’s summer transfer activity is anticipated to be marked by significant changes, and Kounde’s potential departure will be closely monitored. The club’s decision to part ways with the 25-year-old could hinge on various factors, including financial considerations and strategic squad planning. As the summer transfer window approaches, Barcelona will face critical decisions regarding their defensive lineup and overall squad composition. Whether Kounde’s departure becomes a reality remains to be seen, but it could represent a pivotal move in Barcelona’s ongoing rebuilding efforts.
