Real Madrid, Liverpool, Man United enter race to sign €35m-rated Barcelona target

Barcelona are hit by a giant storm of news, reports, and rumours this last month, with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba confirming their departure at the end of the season.

Further, there has also been news about Jules Kounde wanting to leave as he no longer wants to play as a right-back, but in his preferred centre-back role.

The Frenchman is not ready to accept a bench role, either, with Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo on top of their form. As such, it has been reported that Premier League teams are keeping tabs on his situation.

Barcelona have priced him at a minimum of €75 million, with offers worth €80 million-plus expected. Should Kounde choose to leave, though, the club will look to sign a right-back that matches the profile Xavi wants.

One of the players that meets their demands is Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard. A centre-back by trade, the Frenchman is more than comfortable as a right-back, but was recently displaced from that position in the French national team by none other than Kounde himself.

As per a report by Kicker, though, Barcelona are not alone in the race to sign Pavard. They were one of the first clubs to place their interest in the World Cup winner, but now face competition from several top clubs.

Manchester United and Real Madrid have also joined the race, while Liverpool have already made an enquiry about him. Meanwhie, Inter Milan had already made an offer for him in the winter, and are still keeping tabs on his situation.

Pavard is out of contract in 2024, and should be available on a slashed price this summer should he choose to leave. He has a good relationship with new Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel, though, and could end up signing a contract extension as talks are still ongoing.