Barcelona centre-back Jules Koundé is on the radar of Chelsea and Manchester United, according to Sport.
Both clubs are apparently “very interested” in the 25-year-old, who may be available for transfer as the Blaugrana assess their defensive options.
Kounde has been an important player for Barcelona, but sporting director Deco may need to let players go before making new signings to keep the club within financial constraints, ESPN reports.
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On July 29, 2022, Barcelona announced an agreement with Sevilla to transfer Koundé. Koundé missed Barcelona’s first La Liga match of the season against Rayo Vallecano because the club was unable to register him due to exceeding the league’s salary cap. He also missed Barcelona’s second league game against Real Sociedad on August 21 due to the same reason. Kounde was registered with La Liga on August 26 and made his official debut for the club two days later, in a 4-0 victory over Real Valladolid at Camp Nou.
Chelsea is looking for a new center-back and has been linked with Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande. Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is expected to rebuild his squad at Old Trafford.
Kounde’s preference is reported to be to remain at Barcelona, though he has indicated that he would prefer to play in his natural position at centre-back. Barca are also set to make decisions over the future ofClément Lenglet, who is on loan at Aston Villa, as well as Andreas Christensen and Eric García.
