Should Barça be worried? Manchester United would be willing to pay a fortune for Koundé

If there is one player who has made a significant leap in quality this 2024-25 season regarding his performance on the field, it is the 26-year-old French defender, Jules Koundé. The Parisian defender, who has recently become the fifth French player with the most matches wearing the FC Barcelona jersey, has established himself as the starting right-back for the Blaugrana team, becoming probably one of the most essential pieces in Hansi Flick's starting scheme. 

He is also the player who has been used the most so far this season (3,005'). Additionally, the former Sevilla and Girondins Bordeaux player is one of the indispensable players on that right side, where he seems to be perfectly complementing Lamine Yamal.

Manchester United would want Jules Koundé and would already have an offer ready to sign him

In this regard, it is not surprising that Jules Koundé may be tempted by several international clubs looking to strengthen their sports projects with one of the best in the world in his position, and could make a move for him in the upcoming summer transfer market. In this sense, the website 'Fichajes.net' reports that one of the 'Big Six' teams in the Premier League has shown interest in making a proposal to acquire the services of the '23' Blaugrana soon.

The cited source claims that Manchester United, the team currently going through a complicated sporting moment, with a cycle under the guidance of Rúben Amorim that has yet to take off and achieve good results, would like to bolster its defensive line with Jules Koundé. It is even rumored that the 'Red Devils' would be in a position to make an offer around €80 million to try to convince FC Barcelona to part with the French defender in the upcoming summer market. It is worth noting that this proposal would come with a significant salary increase for the right-back.

The departure of the Frenchman from the Blaugrana team does not seem so easy to finalize

However, it is clear that seeing this operation come to fruition will likely be quite complicated. It should be remembered that Jules Koundé has become a key player in Hansi Flick's sports plan, being the right-back that the Blaugrana team has needed for some time, showing himself to be a player with outstanding defensive capability, proving to be an almost impenetrable wall in one-on-one situations.

Moreover, the French international has begun to significantly improve his performances in the offensive aspect. It is no coincidence that he is having one of his best seasons in terms of goals (3) and assists (7), showing himself as a player who is increasingly less afraid to step into the opponent's area and even daring to take on defenders.

On the other hand, it is evident that Jules Koundé, who was recently sanctioned for arriving late to a pre-match talk before the game against Rayo Vallecano, does not have a top-level substitute to replace him in case he leaves. Although Héctor Fort is a great prospect for the right-back position looking towards the future, it is clear that the FC Barcelona right-back does not have enough experience in La Liga to replace the Frenchman if he leaves next season.

Nevertheless, it seems that FC Barcelona is calm regarding these rumors, as there is no doubt that despite the substitution issues due to non-compliance with Hansi Flick's rules, the French defender would not have many reasons to leave the Barcelona club, where he is a fundamental piece and is offered a top-level sports project. A couple of things that are difficult to give up on, no matter how tempting it may seem to take on a new challenge in the Premier League.