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Manchester United are eyeing a deal to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde this summer, according to Fichajes.
The Red Devils are expected to be in the market at the end of the season to replenish their midfield options, while a new left-winger has also been eyed as INEOS look to restore balance to a squad that is likely to shift back to a back-four system under their new permanent manager.
But the full-back positions may also come under consideration if the right opportunity arises, and the club are able to achieve Champions League qualification, which has led to United keeping an eye on the situation of Kounde.
Man Utd Eyeing Kounde Move
jules kounde
Kounde, who has been described as one of the best right-backs in the world, has been a regular for Barcelona for several years, and has also earned a starting spot for France in recent years too.
But the 27-year-old, who is under contract until 2030 at the Camp Nou, is no longer considered to be an untouchable player in the Barcelona starting lineup beyond this season, which has seen the Spanish club open up to the idea of potentially selling him.
Manchester United are said to be among the clubs showing an interest in his signature, but Barcelona have slapped an €80m (£69.5m) asking price on his head as they look maximise any fee received for him. They also feel that with Premier League interest they can charge a bit more.
Man Utd are understood to rate Kounde’s versatility, as he can play right-back and centre-back effectively, and while the defender isn’t pushing to leave the Camp Nou, he could accept a transfer away if he knows the club are open to letting him leave.
No final decision has been made yet, but Barcelona’s plan is to be open to receiving offers for the player’s services and react accordingly, as they look to free up space on their wage bill and balance their books.
Man Utd Have Other Priorities
diogo dalot
Kounde is undoubtedly one of the top players in the world in his position, but Man Utd’s options in that role aren’t weak, as they currently have both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui vying for the position.
United have clear priority positions that need strengthening in midfield and at left-wing, and spending around £70m on a new defender would be a wild allocation of funds when it isn’t entirely necessary.
Should Dalot or Mazraoui be on the move then that could change, but Kounde should be a signing out of necessity, not just for decoration, and it just wouldn’t be at this stage, so United should probably focus their attention elsewhere.
