Jules Kounde, who joined Barcelona from Sevilla last year, is willing to explore other options in the upcoming transfer window if he does not get more chances to play as a center-back, Relevo’s Toni Juanmartí reports.
According to Juanmartí, Kounde is unhappy with his role as a right-back at Barça and feels that he has little opportunity to change it next season due to the excellent performances of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen in central defense. Kounde has made it clear that he wants to play in his preferred position for Barça.
Kounde has informed coach Xavi Hernández about his situation and both parties are aware that his market value has risen thanks to his consistent displays even in an unfamiliar role. Kounde was involved in a heated transfer saga between Barça and Chelsea last summer, which shows that he is in high demand among Europe’s elite clubs. Barça believe they could fetch at least €80 million for Kounde.
However, Juanmartí also stresses that Kounde has not formally requested a transfer and that he is open to staying at Barça if he receives assurances from Xavi that he will have more opportunities at center-back next season. Barça need to make a big sale this summer to finance their plans in the transfer market and to register the contract renewals of players like Araujo, Gavi and Alejandro Balde. Selling Kounde at a high price would certainly help them achieve that.
But Kounde’s future at Barça is not decided yet and it could change depending on how Xavi convinces him of his importance for the team.
