Barcelona ready to sacrifice Jules Kounde for right offer

Barcelona are reportedly prepared to cash in on Jules Kounde this summer if they receive an offer in the region of €65 million, as the club continues its push to stabilise finances and meet La Liga’s strict regulations.

Catalan outlet SPORT claims the French defender has been placed on the market to help Barca comply with the 1:1 spending rule and create room to register new signings.

Offloading players like Ansu Fati has eased some pressure on the wage bill, but there is still a feeling within the club that at least one more major departure is needed before the window shuts. Kounde, who has attracted strong interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, is viewed as one of the few saleable assets who could command a significant fee.

Kounde joined Barcelona from Sevilla in July 2022 for €50 million plus €5 million in add-ons, signing a five-year deal to June 2027 and initially arriving as a centre-back reinforcement. After early adaptation issues and competition for places, he was frequently shifted to right-back under Xavi Hernandez, where he provided width and crossing from deep.

Despite having recently extended his contract to 2030 and his desire to stay, reports suggest Barca would still consider selling if a €65 million bid lands on the table.