Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are all reportedly interested in signing Barcelona defender Jules Kounde this summer.
The France international arrived at Barcelona from Sevilla in the summer of 2022, and he has made 84 appearances for the Catalan side in all competitions, contributing three goals and 10 assists.
Kounde was signed as a centre-back, but he has spent the majority of this season operating as a right-back, with Joao Cancelo switching across to left-back following Alejandro Balde's campaign-ending injury.
The 25-year-old has another three years left to run on his contract at Camp Nou and is believed to be happy at Barcelona despite claims that he was frustrated with his position.
There is currently speculation surrounding the Frenchman's future, though, as Xavi's side are under pressure to make some sales this summer due to their well-documented financial issues.
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Jules Kounde 'has interest from five European clubs'
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are open to offers for Kounde, with at least one high-profile defender expected to depart the club this summer.
Ronald Araujo continues to be linked with an exit, but the Catalan outfit remain determined to keep hold of the Uruguay international.
Pau Cubarsi has also now signed a new contract at Camp Nou, while Eric Garcia is preparing to return to Barcelona this summer following a successful loan spell at Girona.
The report claims that three Premier League clubs are keen on Kounde, with Chelsea reigniting their interest, having missed out on his signature from Sevilla.
Man United are also in the market for at least one centre-back this summer, while Newcastle are looking to improve their defensive options for the 2024-25 campaign.
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Would Barcelona regret selling Jules Kounde?
A departure for Kounde, who is also allegedly wanted by PSG and Inter, would be a surprise unless a new right-back arrives, with Cancelo's future currently unclear.
Cancelo is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester City, and it remains to be seen whether a permanent deal for the Portugal international can be secured.
Balde will be back next season as the first-choice left-back, which would allow Cancelo to switch across to the right, with Araujo and Cubarsi also making up the back four.
However, Kounde's versatility is absolutely vital for Barcelona, and it would be a risk to let him depart without adequate cover at both right-back and centre-back.
Much will depend on price, as a big-money sale of the defender would do a lot for the club's finances, but interested teams will be aware of Barcelona's off-the-field problems, so it remains to be seen what sort of offers could arrive for Kounde in the upcoming market.
Matt Law
