Manchester United and Chelsea are in the picture to sign Barcelona’s Jules Koundé in the summer, according to today’s Sport.
The 25-year-old has been used as a centre-back and right-back this season, managing two goals and four assists from 35 games. His form and versatility seem to have caught Manchester United and Chelsea attention.
It’s claimed the Premier League duo are ‘very, very interested’ in the France international, who could be sacrificed after this season.
Barca have serious financial worries and their sporting director, Deco, is planning to sell at least two centre-backs in the summer. They want to bet on both Ronald Araújo and Pau Cubarsí, and are ready to evaluate offers for others, including the former Sevilla man.
Koundé’s has insisted his priority would be to continue at the Camp Nou. The report also states he would like to play in his preferred position in the heart of defence and this may convince him to leave Barca.
Chelsea wanted to sign the defender before he joined Barcelona in 2022. The Blues could return for him in the summer, but Sport believe they have to be wary about Manchester United.
For Barcelona to survive, the report states it’s ‘mandatory to sacrifice’ some players. Koundé is included in their transferable list and it’s rather convenient if Manchester United and Chelsea are keen.
Whether it’s genuine, or Sport turning their hopes into manufactured reality, remains to be seen.
