PSG face €15m gap in Jules Kounde transfer talks

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in signing Jules Kounde but face a significant difference in valuation with Barcelona.

The French defender is viewed as a potential solution for PSG’s need for greater depth at right-back, where Achraf Hakimi has few natural alternatives.

Luis Enrique has used midfielders Warren Zaire-Emery, Senny Mayulu and Joao Neves in that role when required, but PSG want a specialist capable of competing with or covering for Hakimi. Kounde’s ability to play both centrally and on the right makes him an attractive option.

Barcelona are said to be open to a sale, although the report describes the situation as a rumour. The Catalan club reportedly want around €50 million for the France international, whose standing in the squad has allegedly declined.

PSG, however, are unwilling to go above €35 million, leaving a €15 million shortfall between the clubs. Manchester United are also reportedly interested but share Paris’s reluctance to meet Barcelona’s asking price.

A move would also depend on Kounde accepting the prospect of competing with Hakimi for minutes. PSG’s policy of avoiding inflated fees for potential squad players could make a deal difficult unless Barcelona lower their demands.