Barcelona could face financial roadblock in pursuit of Kounde

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is edging closer to joining Barcelona, but the Blaugrana management has admitted that they are falling short of matching Sevilla’s valuation of the player.

According to what journalist Adria Albets is reporting, the 23-year-old centre-back has set his sights on donning the Barcelona shirt from next season and even the Catalans are planning to go all-out on him. The only issue that persists is that of matching Sevilla’s valuation. 

The entire situation has been extremely tricky, to say the very least. As reported earlier, Chelsea had submitted an offer worth €65 million for the defender, but had to wait to go through the personal terms as the player, himself, was waiting for Barcelona to come up with an offer.

For Barcelona, financial constraints mean they are in no capacity to match Chelsea’s offer. Hence, they preferred to offer a lower bid with a different structure altogether.

The Catalans’ first approach was somewhere around €40 million, with an additional €5 million, which was rejected by Sevilla right away. 

It’s not that Sevilla are unwilling to let Kounde leave. For what it’s worth, they understand the Frenchman is their cash cow, but doing business on a cut-price deal is something they are looking to avoid.

For them, they are willing to let Kounde decide. As for the money, Chelsea’s offer of €65 million would have satisfied their need. But for now, Barcelona are closer than ever. 

Personal terms have already been discussed with the player and all Barcelona have to do right now is to work on the final numbers of the bid. 

For Chelsea, they are said to be tired of waiting for the deal to progress, hence they are now exploring other options, leaving Barcelona the only team to pursue Kounde.

All that remains right now is for Barcelona to match Sevilla’s valuation and Kounde will be a cule.