Jules Kounde wants his future sorted in ‘the next few days’ as Barcelona bide their time to sign the Sevilla star amid interest from Premier League duo Newcastle United and Chelsea.
That’s according to Spanish football expert Alvaro Montero, who reports Kounde does not want to wait a long time. However, Barcelona are not currently prioritising his move to the Camp Nou, as Xavi Hernandez is focusing on deals for Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
- Crystal Palace’s 22/23 XI with £20M West Ham target leading 4 new signings
- Jude Bellingham and Celtic ace lead Birmingham XI if they ket their top stars
Kounde is the third name on Xavi’s shortlist for summer signings and must wait for his turn in the Blaugrana’s plans. But it is not a situation that he enjoys, as the 23-year-old is eager to know where he will be playing next season with the new campaign only a month away.
Barcelona will not rush to hold negotiations with Sevilla to appease Kounde’s desire for his future to be resolved swiftly. Instead, progress is being made to sign Raphinha from Leeds United as Sport report the Brazilian could arrive in Catalunya on Monday with a deal close.
The Blaugrana are prepared to pay the Whites €55m (£46.5m), plus add-ons, for Raphinha, before focusing on Lewandowski. Barcelona also hope to seal a deal for the Bayern Munich star at €40m (£34m), per The Athletic, with personal terms already agreed with the striker.
Newcastle, Chelsea also interested as Kounde waits on Barcelona move
Newcastle and Chelsea are also interested in Kounde, but the Sevilla star has given priority to Barcelona, per Mundo Deportivo. The Frenchman is keen to move to the Camp Nou this summer and has informed Sevilla of his desire to go to Catalunya over the Premier League.
Both the Toon and Blues are willing to pay the €90m (£76m) release clause in his deal with Los Nervionenses. Yet Sevilla face earning less if – or when – Barcelona clear space in their wage bill, as Camp Nou chiefs expect they can finalise negotiations at €65-70m (£55-59m).
Newcastle or Chelsea stepping up their interest and paying Sevilla the full clause could put Kounde’s patience to the test. While a deal can bring a highly-lauded defender to England.
“Kounde is a wonderful footballer,” Spanish football expert Sid Lowe told football.london. “You get a defender who reads the game well, who’s good at the defensive stuff, as well.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
