Jules Kounde’s Barcelona future has been a hot topic on Tuesday, following reports that the Frenchman is open to leaving Barcelona in the summer, just one year after signing from Sevilla.
Kounde has been a regular starter for Barcelona this season, albeit at right back, with his preferred position being in central defence. This is reportedly one of the reasons why he is open to leaving.
Barcelona’s Director of Football Mateu Alemany was asked on the speculation surrounding Kounde, and he refused to comment on the story either way, as per DAZN (via MD).
“These are internal situations that we will resolve internally.”
Barcelona have put a steep price tag on Kounde’s head, and if he does go, Villarreal’s Juan Foyth will be targeted as his replacement, according to Gerard Romero.
It is a situation that is sure to see developments over the next few weeks. Kounde has been open about his grievances about playing at right back, and it could leave that he leaves Barcelona this summer.
Felix 'loved it' at Chelsea but forward does know if he'll make permanent switch
Joao Felix has revealed he has 'loved' his time at Chelsea, but faces an uncertain future after Atletico Madrid slapped a £87million price tag on the forward.
The 23-year-old joined the club in January on loan from Atletico Madrid and has scored three goals in 18 Chelsea appearances.
Atletico paid £114m for Felix's services back in 2019, and are looking to recoup £87m if he leave the LaLiga club in the summer.
'I don't know yet my future,' Felix said.
'But these four, five months, I loved it. It's a top club, everyone in the club was very good to me. My team-mates unbelievable. I really like to be here.'
Last week Felix dismissed claims that he would join Newcastle United at the end of the season with an Instagram reply.
With the 23-year-old looking for Champions League football next season, he is not set to stay with the Blues - leading to speculation of a move to Newcastle.
But when Portuguese outlet Eleven Sports ran the story on Instagram, with a picture of Felix mocked up in a Newcastle jersey, the Portuguese play bit back, calling them a 'bunch of know-it-alls!'
The comment has over 4,000 likes from fellow football fans.
Felix's future is one of the major transfer discussions taking place in European football, with negotiations about a permanent Chelsea move proving fruitless.
His return to Atletico Madrid seems unlikely, as the club's form has improved since the Portuguese star's exit in January, and there has been a falling out with the team's manager Diego Simeone.
Eddie Howe's Magpies have splashed the cash in recent windows, bringing in the likes of Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon over the last 12 months.
Newcastle signed Kieran Trippier from Atletico for £12m in January 2022, and their existing relationship with the Spanish giants might have proved useful if Felix wanted to move to the north-east.