3 Premier League clubs register interest in Barcelona star

Three Premier League heavyweights, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool, have reportedly registered their interest in signing 27-year-old French defender Jules Koundé ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. 

Although Koundé recently signed a contract extension keeping him at Barcelona in the summer of  2030, recent reports from Mundo Deportivo indicate that the Blaugrana are actually highly open to selling him to alleviate their ongoing financial constraints. 

The cash-strapped Catalan club is desperately seeking to finance a summer squad rebuild, prioritising the acquisition of a marquee striker and a centre-back, and view the right-back as a highly valuable, dispensable asset. 

Should any of the English trio formalise their pursuit, Barcelona's hierarchy expect to cash in significantly, holding out for a transfer fee set between €65 million and €80 million.

However, the reports contrast with Barcelona's public posturing regarding the defender's availability. Addressing Manchester City's well-documented pursuit last summer, Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed the approach but insisted the player was off the market, stating, “There wasn't an offer as such, but City called to ask if he was available. Since we told them no, there was no offer."

However, Barcelona can no longer afford to ignore a lucrative Premier League bidding war for a player they originally acquired from Sevilla in 2022, for a base transfer fee of €50 million.