Barcelona have placed their €80 million-rated defender on the transfer list, opening the door to a departure from Camp Nou.
The Catalan giants are making bold moves in the transfer market, quietly signalling openness to substantial offers for one of their highest-profile assets as they reshape the squad under Hansi Flick’s vision.
With financial fair play constraints still looming large despite recent progress, offloading a marquee name at peak value represents a pragmatic step to fund incoming reinforcements and balance the books for a sustained title challenge.
That asset is Jules Koundé, the versatile French international whose €80 million market valuation draws interest from Europe’s elite clubs, prompting Barcelona to listen to bids this summer, as reported by Fichajes.
Signed from Sevilla in 2022 for a club-record fee, the 27-year-old has been a mainstay but faces an uncertain future amid tactical shifts favouring a more specialised centre-back profile.
His ability to operate at right-back or centrally has been invaluable, yet Flick’s high-line system demands greater aerial dominance and progressive passing that Koundé doesn’t always provide at the level required.
However, with emerging talents like Pau Cubarsí stepping up and potential incomings like Alessandro Bastoni or Cristian Romero eyed, the hierarchy views his sale as an opportunity to cash in while he’s at his most marketable.
Premier League suitors, including past admirers Chelsea and Manchester United, are reportedly monitoring closely, tempted by his athleticism and ball-playing nous suited to intense pressing games.
Barcelona’s stance is firm but flexible—no fire sale, but bids exceeding €70 million will be seriously considered, especially if structured with add-ons and favourable payment terms.
Koundé himself remains professional, focused on performances, but whispers suggest he’s open to a new challenge where he can lock down a primary centre-back role.
For now, suitors are circling, and Barcelona’s transfer team watches eagerly as this high-stakes chess move unfolds.
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