Where will Jules Koundé play next season? Certainly not on the Sevilla side, according to the recent words of its president Julen Lopetegui: “Diego Carlos has left and it is possible that the other titular central defender (Koundé, editor’s note) could leave and they are two very important players and very difficult to replace”. And for good reason. Targeted by Chelsea or even Tottenham, in the fight in this case, the French international defender (11 caps) also remains a priority target for FC Barcelona.
Unstoppable on the transfer market, the Catalan leaders – who have already recorded the arrivals of Franck Kessié, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha and therefore recently Robert Lewandowski – intend to continue their momentum. Convinced that they will be able to sign Jules Koundé, despite the competition, the Blaugranas also seem on the way to establishing a carefully considered strategy initiated by the voice of Jorge Mendes, mediator commissioned by the Rojiblancos to finalize this operation.
Barca want to send Ez Abde to Sevilla!
With this in mind, the famous Portuguese agent has been working for several weeks to find solutions, in particular in the face of Barça’s refusal to align with the 60-65 million euros demanded by the Andalusian leaders. As such, Mendes did explore the possibility of including Memphis Depay in the deal, but the emoluments of the former OL striker and the wishes of the latter finally put an end to this first option. Whatever. The Portuguese businessman has another idea in mind. In effect, SPORT indicates, this Sunday, that Barça could try to include Nico Gonzalez or Ez Abde in the deal, two profiles that are particularly popular in Andalusia.
New exchanges will also take place next week in order to reach an agreement. It should also be remembered that despite interest from the Premier League, Jules Koundé, under contract until June 2024, gives priority to the Blaugranas. With the possible departure of Abde, worried by all the recent arrivals within the Catalan club, Barça could therefore be able to lower the price of the former defender of the Girondins de Bordeaux. It now remains to be seen how much the Blanquirrojos will ask the Culés in addition to the Barcelona nugget. For its part, Barça would not like to pay more than 45 million euros. On to negotiations!
