Barca news: Blaugrana 'open door' to Kounde exit with Premier League trio circling

Jules Kounde has been at Barcelona since 2022 but could be on his way out next summer, with the Catalan club prepared to listen to offers from the Premier League.

Signed from Sevilla for £43m four seasons ago, the 27-year-old Frenchman has established himself firmly in the Barcelona setup, albeit in the unfamiliar position of right-back.

The defender is now considered more of a wide full-back than a centre-back, and holds down the right-back spot for the French national team ahead of a specialist in that position such as Malo Gusto of Chelsea.

Barcelona open the door to a Kounde departure

Rumours have periodically circulated regarding Barcelona's interest in other right-backs, from Vanderson (Monaco) to Julian Ryerson (Dortmund) and Andrei Ratiu (Rayo Vallecano). Not to mention the arrival of Joao Cancelo this winter, who has impressed.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona do not rule out a Kounde departure in the next summer window. While the No. 23 remains an important figure, 40 appearances this season, the board's view is that the best decision, in the event of a strong offer, would be to allow him to leave. That caveat is key: only for the right price, with his market value standing at around £55m.

Under contract with Barcelona until June 2030, Kounde is not opposed to leaving, particularly if it means joining a major club abroad, and Premier League interest is far from lacking.

Premier League suitors for Kounde

According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are all admirers of the French international.

While the Reds are more likely to recruit on the left following Andrew Robertson's expected departure, Jeremie Frimpong's mixed season opens a door for the French defender.

At City, Portuguese midfielder Matheus Nunes has been filling in at right-back, highlighting Pep Guardiola's lack of options in that position. At Chelsea, Malo Gusto looks like a solid starter, though Reece James remains perennially injury-prone.

The Blues board, however, have a well-established appetite for signings, and an offer for Kounde at the end of the season would surprise no one. The ball is in Barcelona's court on this one — if the Spanish club opens the door more widely next summer, the Frenchman should have no shortage of options.