Barcelona could listen to offers for 25-year-old defender, believe player could be open to exit
Within the Barcelona roster, Ronald Araujo isn’t the only defender who has attracted interest from European heavyweights.
In that context, if a report from Mundo Deportivo is to be believed, Jules Kounde also happens to have a few clubs, especially from the English Premier League chasing him.
The French defender, who is in his second season with Barcelona, has lost his prominence within the centre-back role owing to the overstaffing and the team from Catalonia is expecting a few offers arriving for him over the summer.
Kounde’s dissatisfaction
Before understanding whether or not Barcelona would cash in on him, it is important to understand the current situation. Before the season began, Kounde clearly expressed his dissatisfaction with playing as a full-back.
Over the course of the campaign, though, Barcelona have had a surplus of centre-backs, with Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen appearing as the preferred starters, and Inigo Martínez being a consistent presence when fully fit.
Pau Cubarsií’s emergence has further intensified the competition for Kounde.
This is why Kounde has been pushed to the right-back position, contending for a spot with Joao Cancelo and Hector Fort.
Given this situation, some within Barcelona believe that Kounde may consider seeking a transfer to a club where he can assume the role of the primary centre-back.
A transfer is very much possible
Interestingly enough, it is not just the player, but even Barcelona are on the same page that if a compelling offer arises, everyone will be open to evaluating the possibility of a move.
For now, there is nothing concrete but MD has reported that a few Premier League teams are interested in his acquisition.
Come summer, Barcelona will begin their evaluation of the roster and as reported before, while Araujo is untouchable at the moment, the same cannot be said for Kounde.
Since he has a contract until 2027, Barcelona might look for avenues to generate a sizable income from his transfer.