Jules Kounde has effectively been put up for sale by FC Barcelona according to reports in Catalonia.
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Barcelona has listed Jules Kounde for transfer and lowered his price tag, as reported by SPORT and Caught Offside, citing unnamed sources. The defender is also attracting interest from Premier League powerhouses Liverpool and Chelsea.
Currently deployed at right back, Kounde is delivering strong performances at the North American World Cup. After France dispatched Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32, the defending champions are scheduled to meet Paraguay in the round of 16, with a potential quarter‑final clash against either Canada or Morocco.
His displays have not escaped notice, particularly in England, prompting Barcelona to lower his asking price to $74.4 million (€65 million) for the 27‑year‑old.
Why would Barcelona wish to sell Kounde?
Typically, it would be unexpected to sell a player who is entering his prime age and a key figure for France.
However, Barcelona requires a major sale to balance its finances and comply with the 1:1 financial fair play ratio.
Moreover, the club is engaged in other transfer negotiations and aims to sign its own targets, with Julián Álvarez at the top of the list.
Reports from Argentina indicate that Álvarez has agreed in principle to join Barcelona on a five‑year deal. Conversely, Atlético Madrid is reportedly demanding €150 million to release the Argentine player, following Real Madrid’s rejected €171 million offer.
Releasing Kounde is logical, given his injury history, which has resulted in significant absences during the 2025/26 season.
Additionally, Barcelona benefits from depth at right back, with Eric García capable of filling the role, alongside Ronald Araújo.
Players such as Xavi Espart, who emerged from the La Masia cohort that includes Marc Bernal, Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, alongside João Cancelo, are better suited to the right‑back position.
Although Cancelo is also at the World Cup with Portugal, he officially returned to Al‑Hilal earlier this week.
This is because his second loan spell in Catalonia expired on June 30, yet Barcelona still hopes to sign him permanently at a reduced fee.
Acquiring a player of his international pedigree and experience at a reduced cost is uncommon, and his versatility in playing both flanks for Flick makes the transfer a straightforward decision.
This also jeopardises Alejandro Balde’s position on the left, though the arrival of Marc Cucurella at Real Madrid eliminates any chance of him returning to his former club.