Barcelona €45 million-rated defensive mainstay on the radars of Al-Ittihad | OneFootball

One of the major issues that Barcelona new manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco need to address in the coming weeks is the number of centre-backs in the squad.

As things stand, Barça have as many as eight central defenders in the form of Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Inigo Martinez, Andreas Christensen, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia (returning from loan), Clement Lenglet (returning from loan), and Mika Faye (set for promotion).

It is simply unfeasible to have so many players for just two positions on the pitch and there will be some cuts made. Lenglet’s exit is all but guaranteed while Garcia is also unlikely to continue at this point.

At least one more defensive personnel could be sold in the summer and now Kounde’s name has appeared in the crosshairs.

Al-Ittihad interested

Indeed, as per MARCA, Kounde is a player whose sale is not ruled out even though the Barcelona sports management admires the Frenchman.

Given the club’s economic situation, only a handful of players are safe from the axe, and Kounde could be shown the doors as he has a good market value and can attract lucrative offers.

Kounde is not seen as ‘untouchable’. (Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images)

In fact, as per the report, Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad are interested in securing the services of the France international defender in the summer.

The Middle East club are looking to reinforce their defensive department and their director, Ramon Planes, is well aware of Barça’s difficult financial situation and has a strong knowledge of the club’s players.

As such, Planes and Al-Ittihad have set their sights on Kounde and believe that the former Sevilla man can adapt well to the Saudi Arabian league.

Hansi Flick and Deco will meet in the coming week to start planning their squad for next season, which is when Kounde’s fate could be decided.

Recent reports have suggested that the manager sees the Frenchman as part of his plans in his natural centre-back position. But it remains to be seen if a lucrative proposal from Al Ittihad tempts the club and the player.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.