The Catalans have struggled to register the contracts of their new summer signings.
Xavi Hernandez has admitted Barcelona must prioritize registering Jules Kounde’s contract over their other transfer activities.
The Catalans have signed Kounde alongside Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie this summer.
Barca activated as many as four financial ‘levers’ to sign and register their new signings. However, Kounde is still unavailable as the club need to free up more space on their wage bill to register his contract.
According to widespread reports in Spanish media, Chelsea have intensified their efforts to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in recent days.
However, Xavi insists the striker is still part of his plans for the new season.
“The market ends on August 31 and we don’t know what will happen,” Xavi said.
“We’ll have to see. Right now he’s our player and I’m counting on him. For now he’s an important player for us, but let’s see what happens.
“At the moment nobody mentioned has left. Tomorrow we can use Memphis and Aubameyang. If an offer arrives for either of them, we’ll assess what to do.
“Right now the priority is to sign up Jules [Kounde]. From there we can decide if we need to make a move or not.”
Following a frustrating home draw against Rayo Vallecano in their La Liga opener, Barcelona will face Real Sociedad this weekend.
“We are waiting. We have time,” Xavi responded when asked to give an update on Kounde’s situation.
“Tomorrow we will give the list, but right now everything is on stand-by. There is nothing new to tell you.
“I’ve spoken to Jules and given him my idea of the game. He is a very classy centre-back and has experience, leadership and can win duels. He is an extraordinary footballer.”
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