Ratcliffe’s PERFECT first Man Utd signing: Barcelona bargain ideal for Old Trafford

Robin Bairner

• 8 May 2024 13:40 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United could strengthen their defence with the bargain signing of Jules Kounde from Barcelona in the summer, according to a report.

Barca have put an asking price of €50 million on the France international defender, according to a report from Fichajes.

The 25-year-old has missed only three LaLiga fixtures for the Catalan side this season, but as they attempt to cut costs, he has been deemed one of the players they can afford to let go as they seek to raise funds to buy elsewhere in the team.

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There is no shortage of interest in Kounde, who has featured at both centre-back and right-back for the Blaugrana this season.

Chelsea, who Barca beat to the player in the summer of 2021, and Newcastle United are among the clubs credited with an interest in him, while Serie A champions Inter Milan also wish to sign him.

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Current ETV

Jules Koundé

D (CR)

Barcelona

Jules Koundé

D (CR)

Barcelona

€59.6M

ETV Range

€44.7M - €74.5M

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Kounda and Man Utd a strong match

According to data analytics experts SciSports, though, Man Utd represent the best option for the player.

Using the firm’s Career Advice tool, Man Utd get a Club Fit score of 74. This is calculated using various factors such as potential development and playing time to style and formation. The Red Devils are considered his best transfer option if Barcelona do sell him.

While there is limited scope for development at Old Trafford due in part to a lack of serious competition and also a probable absence of European football, United come out better than the player’s other options, albeit only marginally ahead of Inter.

There is much to like about a move from Man Utd’s perspective, too. Kounde is capable of filling two roles they have struggled with this season while he would represent an instant upgrade to the squad.

Indeed, SciSports indicates that Kounde is better than any player the Red Devils currently have on their books.

Furthermore, the former Bordeaux player is the type of transfer bargain that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hunting for.

Barca’s price point of €50m is below Kounde’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €59.6m, which was as high as €67.5m not so long ago.

Comparative cheap and young, as well as proven quality, he would be a dream first signing of the Ratcliffe era at Man Utd.