Jules Kounde is clear where he wants to play next season. According to 'Mundo Deportivo', the central defender has told Sevilla that he wants to go to Barcelona. Chelsea and Newcastle are willing to pay the 90 million euros which figure in his buyout clause, but he prefers to play under Xavi. The deal could be completed for around 65 million euros.
The transfer window is open and clubs are looking at new players for the 2022-23 campaign. It is the time to choose the players who will be in the squad to fight for everything next season.
Barca want to get reinforcements in defence, but Xavi will not accept any defender. He has asked for Kounde, among others, for the centre of the Barca defence. And it seems like interest is mutual because the Frenchman is crazy about playing for the Catalan giants.
'Mundo Deportivo' says that, despite the fact Kounde has other attractive offers on the table, he prefers Barcelona's. Newcastle and Chelsea would play 90 million euros for the defender, the price stipulated in his buyout clause. However, Kounde has other plans. According to this paper, the defender has decided not to go to England.
Sevilla have reportedly been informed about the situation. The footballer has reportedly told the club that he wants to leave Barca. He can forget about negotiating with Premier League clubs.
The La Liga side are willing to let him leave. That said, Barcelona will have to pay 65 million euros, 25 less than the figure which appears in his contract. To try and reduce the price of the deal, 'Mundo Deportivo' reports that Barcelona will try and persuade Sevilla by offering them Dest or Trincao in return.
In any case, Barca know that before anything else, they need to reduce their wage bill and get financing. That is the only way they will be to make the signings they want for next season.
'Sport', however, are not so clear that Kounde will move to Barcelona as he wants to do. This other Catalan paper says that the footballer is asking for salary which, depending on their financial situation, the club may not be able to pay him. If Kounde wants to play for Barca, he will have to lower his financial demands. Otherwise, he will find it very difficult to join the Catalans.