‘No Secret’—Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City Battle for $90 Million Barcelona Star

Barcelona’s willingness to entertain offers for Jules Kounde has set the stage for a high-stakes summer tug-of-war between three Premier League heavyweights, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City all circling the versatile France international.

Sources close to the Catalan club confirm that Deco’s sporting department has not dismissed the possibility of a sale should any bidder approach the $92.3 million valuation, a figure that would ease the Liga giants’ looming financial pressures and allow them to redirect funds toward priority targets at centre-forward and centre-half.

Kounde, 25, signed a contract extension through 2030 only last summer, yet his consistent presence under Hansi Flick—25 La Liga starts from the opening 26 fixtures—has done nothing to cool English interest. A March muscle strain sidelined the defender for the entire month, but his return to training has reignited speculation that a blockbuster move could materialise before the next campaign.

Pep Guardiola’s side registered their curiosity 12 months ago, with Deco publicly acknowledging that City “asked us if Kounde was available” and were told no. That stance has softened, and with City still lacking an orthodox right-back after last summer’s failed pursuit, Kounde’s dual ability to invert or overlap makes him an attractive solution. Matheus Nunes has filled in gamely, yet the Premier League champions continue to monitor specialists for the role.

Liverpool’s need is equally pressing. Arne Slot has been deprived of both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley for long stretches, forcing midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones into emergency defensive duties. A January attempt to bring in Lutsharel Geertruida on loan collapsed because of third-party complications, underlining how seriously Anfield chiefs view the shortage.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have watched club-captain Reece James reaffirm his loyalty with a new deal only to relapse into the hamstring issues that have stalked his career. Malo Gusto’s reliability has softened the blow, yet Mauricio Pochettino’s successor—whoever that may be—could welcome a proven elite operator such as Kounde to balance a youthful squad.

Barcelona would not be left exposed should the Frenchman depart. Eric García has deputised capably across the backline, 18-year-old La Masia graduate Xavi Espart has already tasted first-team football, and negotiations continue over retaining João Cancelo beyond his current loan. Offloading Kounde would therefore generate pure profit to bankroll a marquee striker and a commanding centre-back, two items high on Deco’s summer checklist.

Whether any of the Premier League trio will table the requisite nine-figure offer remains the final piece of the puzzle, but the message emanating from Camp Nou is unambiguous: the price is public, the interest is no secret, and the door is ajar.