‘No Secret’—Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City Battle for $90 Million Barcelona Star

The Premier League trio are circling an expensive deal for a problem position.

Jules Kounde (left) has been linked with a Barcelona exit. | Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images

Barcelona have reportedly not ruled out the prospect of offloading Jules Kounde, particularly if the not-so-secret three-way interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City translates into an offer which comes close to the club’s lofty valuation.

Kounde is clearly a desirable asset. Widely rated as one of the best right backs in the world, the France international can also comfortably operate in the middle of the backline. Despite putting pen to paper on a new contract until 2030 as recently as last summer, Kounde’s queue of suitors has only grown.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are all credited with interest in the 27-year-old, according to Mundo Deportivo. City’s interest is well established.

Pep Guardiola’s side “asked us if Kounde was available,” Barça sporting director Deco revealed last summer. However, the answer on that occasion was clear: “No.” This latest report suggests that stance may have shifted.

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How Barcelona Could Be Tempted to Sell Kounde

Jules Kounde has a contract until 2030. | Image Photo Agency/Getty Images

When Kounde is fit, he plays for Hansi Flick. The swift fullback featured in 25 of La Liga’s first 26 matches before pulling up with a muscular injury which forced him to miss the entirety of March.

However, tactical demands are not the only consideration for a club as cash-strapped as Barcelona. Mundo Deportivo claim that in the event of Kounde accepting an offer, they would potentially be forced to part ways with the Frenchman should they receive a bid in the region of $92.3 million (€80 million).

Barcelona wouldn’t be leaving Flick entirely shorthanded. Eric García has proven capable of filling in admirably in almost any position across the pitch, including right back, while there are high hopes for Masia graduate Xavi Espart, who has earned his senior debut in Kounde’s recent absence. The Catalan giants have also been tipped to extend João Cancelo’s stay in Spain.

There is also the question of priorities. Barcelona are expected to prioritize a move for a striker and center back this summer. The targets floated will not come cheap—especially in the case of Julián Alvarez—and a hefty injection of cash for Kounde can’t be immediately turned down.

Whether any of his Premier League suitors would be willing to stump up such a sum remains to be seen.

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Which of Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City Need Kounde Most?

Jeremie Frimpong has been riddled with injuries. | Richard Martin-Roberts/CameraSport/Getty Images

City’s quest for a right back last summer was unsuccessful. Matheus Nunes has shrugged off Guardiola’s barb about a lack of intelligence to play in midfield to thrive as an overlapping fullback this season, but there is still room in City’s squad for an orthodox operator in that position.

Chelsea and Liverpool have quality right backs in their squads, but getting them onto the pitch is not always so straightforward.

Reece James has rammed home his committment to the Blues with a recent contract extension only to then succumb to the sort of hamstring injury which has plagued so much of his career. Malo Gusto serves as a suitable deputy and is far less prone to fitness lapses.

Arne Slot would look upon Chelsea’s right back crisis and cackle. Liverpool’s manager has spent a dizzying chunk of the campaign without either Jeremie Frimpong or Conor Bradley, repeatedly forcing midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones into defense. Frimpong’s body has once again broken down.

Liverpool were so concerned about this area of the pitch they explored the option of bringing in Lutsharel Geertruida on an emergency short-term deal in January. Had it not been for the complication of his loan agreement at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, Slot would have been reunited with his former Feyenoord fullback. Whether he will get the chance of making a new acquaintance with Kounde this summer is another matter.

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