Barcelona add key defender to sell list amid financial crisis

The Catalans will have a number of difficult choices to make in the next transfer window

Barcelona are reportedly open to selling Jules Kounde as they look to avoid further Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Since joining the Catalans in 2022, Kounde has established himself as a key player in Barca’s backline. Last season, the Frenchman made 29 appearances under Xavi as Barcelona lifted the La Liga trophy.

Having mainly played as a right-back at Barca, Kounde is seemingly keen on returning to his favourite position as a central defender.

According to Daily Mail, the Frenchman has become increasingly frustrated with his situation at Barcelona in recent months. The Spanish giants are not against Kounde’s potential departure in the summer as they look to bolster their squad after Xavi’s exit.

Despite using a number of financial levers last summer, the Catalans are still struggling to meet La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations. With Eric Garcia returning to Barca’s defence line from a successful loan stint at Girona, the club could imagine selling Kounde to ease their financial woes.

Last summer, reports emerged of Chelsea and Manchester United’s interest in signing the defender, but eventually, neither side made a formal offer. The Blues, who narrowly lost a transfer race to sign Kounde in 2022, could become his main suitors in the next transfer window.