FC Barcelona and Manchester United, two of the most successful football clubs in the world, have been in a state of disarray for some time now. The former, because of finances. So much so that they are looking to offload one of their star defenders in hopes of cashing out a big paycheck.
Jules Kounde, who joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022, has played 88 games for the Catalan club in his two seasons so far. He was also instrumental in the team’s La Liga success in 22/23 but Culers could soon have to bid farewell to him.
Manchester United, who suffered their worst defensive season in history (85 goals conceded) want a star defender in their ranks, especially with Raphael Varane now gone and Kounde is one of the names on the list.
As per Football 365, United were ready to pay $42 million for the 25-year-old center-back. But Barcelona’s Club President Joan Laporta does not want to let Kounde go at that price. However, if a $64 million price tag seems acceptable to the Red Devils, Kounde could be on his way to Old Trafford this summer.
After a trophyless 23/24 season, Barcelona could end up losing Kounde to Manchester United. But he isn’t the only name linked with a move away from the Catalans.
Barcelona will look to return to the top of Spanish football and European football eventually, with new manager Hansi Flick at the helm, but he will have his work cut out for him.
Other crucial players like Frenkie De Jong, Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres and Raphina are also reported to be on the transfer list. But why would Barcelona want so many of its young talents to move away from the team?
The answer is money. To sign and register new players, the Catalans need to pay a sum of $150 million, a figure they are horrendously short of. By selling stars, they would be looking to get somewhere close to that amount, and start a rebuild.
