Barcelona could be gearing up to part ways with France international Jules Kounde in the near future, with European football expert Andy Brassell tipping Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool as prime destinations. Despite the 27-year-old signing a fresh five-year contract in August of last year, Brassell believes the Catalan outfit may need to raise funds by moving on a valuable asset. The pundit warned that sanctioning the versatile defender's departure would be a "mad" move given his defensive quality and recent impact.
Since completing his switch from Sevilla in 2022, the former Bordeaux player has amassed 196 appearances for Barcelona, lifting three LaLiga championships across a four-year span. Under head coach Hansi Flick, the club currently sit five points clear atop the standings after securing victory in each of their first nine league fixtures, with Kounde contributing a goal and an assist across the last two games. Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Brassell explained: "I do get the feeling that Barcelona are going to sell Jules Kounde at some point in the near future, which I think is a bit mad. Obviously they're going to have to sell someone of value at some point in the medium term. It looks like they're limbering up for it to be him. He's an underrated right-back and a really underrated centre-back because he doesn't get to play there that often anymore."
Kounde's international pedigree is equally substantial, having earned 58 caps under France manager Didier Deschamps. After lifting the Nations League in 2021, he started five matches during France's run to the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina, before earning selections for Euro 2024 and the subsequent World Cup in North America. Assessing a potential switch to North London, Brassell stated that Kounde would be "brilliant for Arsenal." The Gunners currently count Jurrien Timber and Ben White as their senior options on the right side of defence, though White's deal is due to expire at the end of next season, which could influence whether they consider spending £50-60 million on an accomplished alternative.
Liverpool have also been outlined as a viable landing spot, with Brassell noting that Kounde offers the dual threat of being an attacking full-back while remaining an authentic defender. The Anfield side could face a significant defensive reshuffle next summer as contracts for both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are set to expire at the conclusion of the campaign. Such departures would leave Andoni Iraola with just three recognised centre-backs, provided Ronald Araujo's loan from Barcelona is converted into a permanent deal. With Conor Bradley sidelined until at least December and Araujo recently covering on the right flank, Kounde's flexibility across the backline could make him an attractive target if Barcelona decide to cash in.