Barcelona set ASTRONOMICAL asking price for PI**ED OFF star

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 24 May 2023 13:52 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have set an asking price of €80 million for "fed up" defender Jules Kounde, according to Sport.

Kounde has demanded to be sold this summer because he is fed up of being played out of position at right back.

The France defender has requested to play at centre-back but cannot be offered any guarantees for the future in that role.

READ MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

Kounde's relationship with key figures at Barcelona is reported by Toni Juanmarti of Relevo to be broken, with the Frenchman said to "fed up" with his situation. There is now a clear rift between player and those in the club's offices.

Barcelona have agreed to sell him this summer but have placed an astronomical asking price of €80m on his shoulders.

The Blaugrana will then use this money to help reduce costs and be able to afford the return of Lionel Messi on a free transfer.

Kounde has played an important role in Barcelona winning La Liga this season, making 38 appearances in all competitions and scoring once.

Kounde rejected Chelsea for Barcelona

He only arrived last summer from Sevilla for a fee of €50m plus €10m in add-ons.

Barcelona hijacked Chelsea’s deal for the player at the last minute.

Chelsea believed they were on the verge of completing the signing of Kounde for more money at €65m.

The Blues were also reported by some sources to have agreed personal terms with Kounde, but the transfer was never completed because the player himself stalled as he waited for Barcelona.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will come back in for the 24-year-old this summer.

Kounde is certain to not be short of suitors as he has established himself as one of Europe’s most admired defenders over recent years.

He has also been capped 20 times by the France national team, taking part at Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022.