Jules Koundé closer to Barcelona move
Koundé has already spoken with Barça. Lopetegui has confirmed that the player could leave Sevilla this summer.
Jules Koundé is top of Xavi’s list for defensive signings this summer. The Frenchman was very close to joining Chelsea, but after Barça reached an agreement with the player, it now depends on the negotiations between Monchi and Mateu Alemany.
On Friday, Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui made no secret of the possibility of the Frenchman’s departure. “You can expect Koundé to leave,” he told a press conference.
Barça were interested in Jules Koundé last season. At that time, Alemany put names like Trincao or Mingueza on Monchi’s table, but the Sevilla sporting director was also asking for €25 million, which Barça did not have. Monchi has agreed to negotiate with Barça again.
Barcelona levers funding transfers
The activation of the second economic lever, the sale of the next 15% of the television rights that will become effective next week and which could mean €330 million for the club (in addition to the €207 million of the first lever), allows Barça to target the likes of Koundé and Lewandowski.
Alemany wants to add players to make the deal cheaper. Sergiño Dest, who was already on Monchi’s list last winter, is back on the table, although in the end the Sevilla sporting director ended up deciding on Corona. Another name that could suit all parties is Memphis Depay, although the Sevilla sporting director is scared of the Dutchman’s fee.
Koulibaly joining Chelsea
Koulibaly, who was also on Barça’s list of targets, is joining Chelsea, which could see Koundé's transfer to Barcelona accelerate. The Blues’ interest in the Frenchman has waned in recent weeks at the same time as that of the Blaugrana’s, who are beginning to be very optimistic about a signing that would finally allow Xavi to play with two very fast centre-backs, Koundé and Araújo.
Not only that. The Frenchman’s versatility allows him to play as a centre-back in a three-man defence or as a right-back if necessary. His signing, therefore, would open up a whole range of tactical possibilities for Xavi.