PSG line up summer move for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde

Paris Saint-Germain will reportedly look to sign 25-year-old French international Jules Kounde from Barcelona this summer.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Jules Kounde is the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain. The Ligue 1 champions are in the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window. And they have set their sights on the 25-year-old Barcelona defender.

The Rise of Jules Kounde in La Liga

Jules Kounde has been among the best defenders in La Liga for nearly half a decade. The French international took no time to establish a foothold at Sevilla FC, becoming a mainstay at the back after arriving from Bordeaux in July 2019. His exploits at the Andalusian club piqued the interest of many high-profile clubs.

Several Premier League bigwigs were keen on signing him before Barcelona secured his services in a deal worth €50 million in July 2022. The 25-year-old again immediately became a mainstay at the back and has been a utility man for Xavi Hernandez due to his ability to play as a right-back and a centre-back.

Kounde has turned out 73 times thus far for Barcelona, chipping in with three goals and ten assists. But the Frenchman faces an uncertain future at the Catalan club due to the never-ending financial issues. That has compelled Barcelona to consider selling him, with several European bigwigs, including Paris Saint-Germain, interested in signing him.

PSG Want Kounde

PSG’s interest in Jules Kounde is understandable. Les Parisiens will likely lose Presnel Kimpembe in the summer transfer window. In addition, widespread reports have claimed that the heavy-spending Saudi Pro League outfits are keen on signing Marquinhos. So, while Lucas Beraldo has bolstered the PSG backline this year, they can do with another centre-back.

Kounde has thus emerged as a viable target for PSG. Several other centre-backs, including Barcelona wonderkid Pau Cubarsi, feature on PSG’s radar over a possible summer move. But the French defender’s versatility makes him an appealing target for the Ligue 1 champions.

However, recent reports have claimed that Kounde does not want to leave Barcelona anytime soon. So, it will be interesting to see if PSG can turn his head and land him in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Barcelona will likely demand more than €50 million to sell the 25-year-old, considering his contract has more than four years remaining before it runs out.