How much money do Barcelona need to raise to register Kounde – report

Barcelona have an important week ahead as they look to finalise their squad by not only bringing in one or two new players but also sanctioning the sale of unwanted stars, in an attempt to balance the books and register the new signings.

Jules Kounde is currently the only new signing yet to be registered after signing from Sevilla at the end of last month.

According to Victor Navarro, Barcelona require a fee of around €22 million in order to register the Frenchman by the end of August.

The desired fee can only be obtained after the sale of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Memphis Depay. Both the strikers have been linked with a move away from Camp Nou, with the latter emerging as a top target for Chelsea.

Aubameyang is reportedly open to joining the Blues whereas Depay is closing in on a move to Juventus. Their collective departure could help Barça generate the funds to register the new signings.

Other reports suggest Aubameyang is a key entity in all this, knowing Depay’s sale alone will not help Barcelona cover the costs and register Kounde. Hence, it is critical for the Catalans to sanction the sale of their Gabonese frontman, who scored 13 goals last season.

Navarro, meanwhile, suggests Barcelona’s main objective is to register both Kounde and Marcos Alonso by August 31.

Alonso has emerged as Xavi’s desired choice in the left-back unit, as he looks to offer some much-needed cover for the veteran Jordi Alba. Although Barcelona’s interest in the Chelsea defender has reportedly cooled down lately, the club have no other options, especially at this stage of the transfer market.

Hence, it will not be surprising to see Kounde and Alonso become the last two entries in the Barcelona squad, whereas Aubameyang and Depay are both in contention to leave Camp Nou by the end of the month.