Barcelona have largely managed to retain their superstars in recent seasons, but that has not stopped top European clubs from expressing interest in them.
As Hansi Flick’s project gathers momentum, Barça could face difficult decisions over the futures of some players whose development appears to be plateauing.
Sometimes, you have to cut off an arm to save the body, and selling someone like Jules Kounde could help Barça improve.
The France international is attracting interest from across Europe, with AC Milan the latest club to explore a possible move.
According to Diario SPORT, citing Italian outlet Calciomercato, Milan are searching for an elite defender and are monitoring Kounde as an option.
Kounde’s changing role attracts European interest
The interest comes amid a change in Kounde’s standing at Barcelona. Once an automatic starter under Hansi Flick, the Frenchman is no longer guaranteed a place in the starting eleven.
Although his playing time has increased since the last international break, Eric Garcia is now firmly Flick’s first-choice right-back.
Jules Kounde has seen his role at Barcelona diminish after an indifferent season. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Milan are not alone in monitoring developments. Chelsea, who attempted to sign Kounde before his move to Barcelona, remain interested, while Bayern Munich are also keeping an eye on his situation.
Barcelona have no immediate intention of selling the defender, although a substantial offer could force Deco to reconsider.
Crucially, Kounde himself has shown no desire to leave. His contract runs until June 2030, meaning Barcelona are under no pressure to negotiate.
Why Barcelona should think carefully before selling Kounde
The report suggests that if Barcelona needed to raise significant funds through a major departure, the sporting department would consider selling Alejandro Balde before Kounde.
The young Spaniard has seen his playing time diminish since the start of the season, with both Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart ahead of him in the left-back pecking order.
If Barcelona were to sell a defender, it would be Balde before Kounde. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Kounde may not be reaching the heights of his previous campaigns, but his ability to play at both right-back and centre-back gives Flick considerable tactical flexibility.
His reduced starting role should not automatically be interpreted as a sign that Barcelona no longer need him.
Squads that aspire to win the Champions League need players of Kounde’s quality available off the bench.
Selling Kounde should be considered only if a substantial offer comes in, and it remains to be seen whether any of these European giants make a serious push to sign the 27-year-old.
He is currently injured, and Flick must also wait to see how long it takes him to recover. It remains to be seen how Kounde’s future at Barcelona pans out.