Barcelona prioritise the departure of two first-team regulars including Chelsea, Man United target

Journalist Luis Miguelsanz has reported via SPORT that Barcelona are ready to cash in on defender Jules Kounde and forward Raphinha and the team is of the idea that both players have a great market, meaning that they can generate decent income.

Barcelona have formulated a thorough plan driven by a clear objective: to enhance and revamp the team, for which it is imperative to offload players with a substantial market value. 

Extensive analysis of the situation has been underway for some time, and all signs point to Kounde and Raphinha as the two players to be put on the transfer market.

While both players remain committed to the team, offers will be entertained for them as part of Barcelona’s strategic restructuring efforts.

How will Barcelona approach this situation?

Right now, Barcelona are in favour of the strategic sale of players who, while possessing the potential to be starters, can be replaced satisfactorily by existing squad members. 

This is where both Kounde and Raphinha fit in. The Brazilian has taken a backseat due to the emergence of Lamine Yamal and it is said that several clubs in Saudi Arabia have expressed interest in acquiring him.

Additionally, the team from Catalonia is also contemplating the departure of one or two centre-backs. The primary focus is on entertaining offers for Kounde.

Clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool are monitoring his situation closely, and Barcelona are is willing to part ways with him due to the surplus of talent in that position.

Barcelona will listen to offers for Jules Kounde. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Barcelona are desperate

Until last year’s transfer window, Barcelona have always prioritized the departure of those who are below the pecking order but a shift in approach is expected this summer.  

Since a substantial financial investment is a necessary requirement, the level of transfers needs to be elevated. 

At present, it is said that almost the entire squad is available for transfer, barring a few players. However, there are players whose departure could yield significant benefits, notably Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong. 

In the case of Araujo, his potential transfer value could exceed €80 million, while for De Jong, it could reach €100 million. 

Despite the tempting offers, however, both players are considered indispensable due to their strategic importance at a sporting level. Their wishes will be respected, and the club acknowledges their crucial roles in the team.

As such, it appears that Raphinha and Kounde could be the ones to be moved on in the summer.