A €60 million Barcelona defender is now free to leave the club after Hansi Flick gave his approval for the player’s exit.
The Catalan giants are facing financial pressures and are actively looking to reshape their squad while managing wage obligations.
This shift in strategy has opened the door for potential departures that were previously unthinkable, with the club now willing to entertain serious offers for players once deemed indispensable.
In a major development, Hansi Flick has greenlit the departure of €60 million defender Jules Kounde, according to reports from Diario Sport.
The French defender has shifted from being classified as a non-transferable asset, opening the door to a potential exit if a substantial offer is presented.
While Barcelona is not actively seeking to offload Kounde, the club’s stance has relaxed compared to prior transfer periods when any talks about his future were swiftly overlooked.
This change in perspective arrives as Barcelona assesses ways to enhance its roster while managing financial obligations.
The report mentions that the club has been investigating the market for possible right-back alternatives in recent months.
Sporting director Deco has reportedly met with various agents to gather insights on potential targets.
Despite Kounde’s continued respect within the locker room and his importance to the team, there is increasing sentiment that he has not consistently performed at the high level that made him a standout player in previous seasons.
This shift in perception has prompted club officials to be more receptive to a transfer, particularly if an offer emerges that could significantly bolster Barcelona’s financial standing.
Hansi Flick appreciates versatility, with both Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo demonstrating their ability to fill in at right-back as needed.
A sale could create financial opportunities for other squad areas, granting Barcelona additional freedom in the market to strengthen specific positions.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
