Manchester United Eyeing Barcelona’s Jules Kounde in Potential €80M Summer Transfer
Manchester United have set their sights on Barcelona’s versatile right-back Jules Kounde, with reports suggesting they could table an €80 million offer in the upcoming transfer window. The French international has been a key player for the Catalan giants since joining in 2022.
Kounde made the switch from Sevilla to Barcelona in a deal worth approximately €50 million and has since racked up 125 appearances across all competitions. Renowned for his stamina and consistency, the 26-year-old has not missed a single game for the Blaugrana this season.
Having started in 34 out of 37 matches so far, Kounde has contributed to 11 clean sheets across various competitions. As per a report from Fichajes (via The Hard Tackle), Manchester United are eager to bring the defender to Old Trafford this summer.
The Red Devils are in urgent need of a defensive reinforcement, and Kounde’s ability to play both as a centre-back and a right-back makes him an attractive option. However, Barcelona are reportedly reluctant to part ways with him, despite their ongoing financial struggles. The club lacks a strong alternative in his position, though Hector Fort recently stepped up when Kounde was benched in a narrow 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano.
Whether Manchester United can convince Barcelona to sell remains to be seen, but the La Liga side is expected to resist any offers for the Frenchman.
United Also Tracking Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo
Jules Kounde isn’t the only Barcelona defender on Manchester United’s radar. Reports from Fichajes.net claim that the Premier League side is also considering a move for Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan centre-back is valued at approximately €60-70 million, a fee United could comfortably meet. However, Araujo recently signed a contract extension with Barcelona, keeping him at the club until 2031. The Catalans view him as a key piece of their future and are not keen on letting him leave.
That said, an interesting clause in Araujo’s contract could present United with an opportunity. During the upcoming summer transfer window, there will be a ten-day period where his release clause is set at €65 million. If triggered within this window, Barcelona would have no say in blocking the transfer.
Despite this clause, Barcelona are reportedly determined to retain Araujo, making any potential transfer a challenging prospect for Manchester United.
