Luis Enrique has begun making early moves in the summer transfer market to bolster Paris Saint-Germain’s squad, taking advantage of the uncertainty surrounding the future of one of Barcelona’s stars within German coach Hansi Flick’s project.
According to Spanish and French press reports, the Parisian club has placed French defender Jules Koundé at the top of its defensive priorities for the upcoming transfer window, after the player’s place in the Catalan team’s starting lineup declined in recent weeks.
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Flick loses faith in Koundé
The past period has witnessed a clear decline in Jules Koundé’s performance, both defensively and in terms of consistency, which has drawn criticism within Barcelona, especially after repeated errors in important matches.
Furthermore, successive injuries have complicated the player’s situation, prompting the coaching staff to begin exploring new options in the back line, particularly after Hansi Flick opted for Eric García in some important matches instead of the French defender.
Sources close to the club confirm that the coaching staff is now convinced of the possibility of restructuring the right-back position next season, giving Eric García a more prominent role within the new project. Despite recently renewing his contract, Jules Koundé is no longer considered “untouchable” by Barcelona’s management, especially given the expected offers during the summer transfer window.
According to reports, the Catalan club’s management may consider selling the player if an offer exceeding €50 million is received, in a move aimed at restoring the team’s financial balance and freeing up funds for new signings.
Major English clubs such as Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United had previously expressed interest in signing the French defender, but Barcelona rejected substantial offers at the time due to the team’s need for him.
Paris Saint-Germain is making a strong push
Meanwhile, Luis Enrique believes that Jules Koundé possesses the ideal qualities to bolster Paris Saint-Germain’s defense, thanks to his versatility in playing multiple positions, including center-back and right-back, in addition to his extensive experience in major European matches.
The French club is looking to strengthen its defense after a decline in form from some key players last season, prompting the sporting management to move quickly to finalize several defensive deals early.
Reports indicate that Luis Enrique has already contacted the player to try to convince him to join Paris Saint-Germain after the World Cup, in a deal that could ignite the European transfer market in the coming weeks.
