Barcelona set €70m tag as Kounde gives January green light

Jules Kounde has been forced to accept a summer move away from Barcelona, with Chelsea and Tottenham identified as the likely destinations and a fee close to or exceeding €70 million on the table, while the French defender has given his agents the green light for January meetings in London.

Barcelona have opened La Liga with seven wins from seven matches and secured a 5‑1 victory over Feyenoord in their sole Champions League outing, keeping Hansi Flick’s side on track to defend last season’s title.

Despite the team’s success, Kounde has started only one of those league games, with Eric Garcia preferred at right‑back, and he has made three substitute appearances, drawing criticism for his performances.

Barcelona’s transfer calculus

Reports say Barcelona are willing to listen to significant offers, provided the deal enables them to sign Pedro Porro, and they view a fee near or above €70 million as a gateway to that reinforcement.

The Catalan giants believe the proceeds could also fund the signing most favoured by Flick and the club’s academy prodigy Lamine Yamal, further bolstering the squad.

The Premier League is described as the most logical destination given its financial clout and Kounde’s profile; his ability to operate as centre‑back or right‑back adds tactical flexibility prized by English clubs.

Premier League interest and January talks

Chelsea and Spurs are closely monitoring the situation, and Kounde has authorised his agents to hold talks in London, with the clubs expected to engage during the January window.

For Barcelona, a sale would free funds to reinforce the right‑back spot and support Yamal’s development, while Kounde could secure regular playing time at a top Premier League club.

Separately, Chelsea legend John Terry criticised Xabi Alonso’s zonal set‑piece marking after the club’s loss to Brentford, insisting on a man‑to‑man approach in a YouTube interview.