Desperate times call for desperate measures. With Barcelona in a tight spot economically, saleable assets hitting the exit door this summer cannot be ruled out as an implausible scenario.
To comply with Financial Fair Play regulations and bolster other areas of the squad, Barça are already shortlisting the players they could potentially generate funds from if push comes to shove.
The club’s most stacked department currently remains the defence, with ample competition existing at the back.
Notably, Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde, both highly sought-after center-backs, are lucrative assets who could depart with a hefty price tag.
Kounde to take the fall
Now, as per Mundo Deportivo, Barça are clear that if the economic situation forces them to sell a center back, the priority would be to sell Jules Kounde, not Ronald Araujo.
While Araujo has his fair share of suitors too, with Bayern Munich recently showing significant interest in him, the Uruguayan is considered more important for the team moving forward.
Meanwhile, Kounde is expected to be the sacrificial lamb owing to a host of reasons: not only has Pau Cubarsi’s rise made him more disposable, but he has also performed inconsistently this season.
The former Sevilla man started the season off in flying colors but has gradually lost steam. Despite being adamant about playing as a center-back rather than a right-back, he has been unable to find regularity there, with Xavi once again availing him on the right-hand side.
The Frenchman’s market value stands at €60 million, with Premier League sides previously showing interest in him. Reports have already claimed Barcelona will listen to offers for Kounde in the summer.
In the event Barcelona are forced to part ways with Kounde, they would still retain a formidable back-line, with Inigo Martinez, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Pau Cubarsi occupying the central defensive positions.
