Koundé won’t be signing for PSG, Liverpool step up
PSG will not move for Jules Koundé. Short of minutes at Barcelona, the French defender is chiefly being courted by Liverpool, who are ready to spend big according to reports relayed by Foot01.
Key takeaways
- PSG will not move for Jules Koundé; there has been no approach from Paris or Barcelona to the player or to FC Barcelona.
- PSG's current transfer strategy prioritises up-and-coming signings, and at 27 Koundé does not fit this profile.
- At Barcelona, Koundé is not a first-choice under Hansi Flick, having started on the bench in three of the last four La Liga matches.
- Liverpool are reportedly ready to bid around €70 million for Koundé, a figure above Transfermarkt's €55 million valuation.
Jules Koundé will not be joining Paris Saint-Germain. According to Foot01, the Paris option is not active and neither Luis Campos nor Luis Enrique has made any approach to the player or to FC Barcelona. While his name has done the rounds in the past, his profile no longer fits the club’s current direction, which prioritises ‘up-and-coming’ signings. At 27, the France international defender does not fit those criteria.
PSG Update
Even so, Koundé’s situation at Barcelona is fuelling talk of a move. Under Hansi Flick, he is no longer a first-choice option: he started on the bench in three of the last four La Liga matches, and played only the closing stages of the Catalans’ win in Turkey. Four years after arriving from Sevilla, and with three and a half years still to run on his contract, the idea of a new challenge is gaining traction. The player himself has not yet made up his mind and still hopes to win back a starting spot.
Liverpool interest
The situation is heating up above all in the Premier League. According to a Spanish outlet cited by Foot01, Liverpool have stolen a march and are said to be ready to put around €70 million on the table, a figure above the €55 million valuation given by Transfermarkt. The Reds have the means to persuade Barcelona should an opening arise.
Other clubs monitoring
Other English clubs — Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City — are also said to be monitoring the situation, but with less insistence than Liverpool at this stage. For Koundé, a Bordeaux academy product, England therefore looks the likeliest destination in the event of a departure, rather than Paris, where the French champions have sent no signal. Barring a U-turn, PSG will remain bystanders in a situation that seems to be playing out on the other side of the Channel.
Your questions, our answers
Will Koundé sign for PSG?
Jules Koundé will not be joining Paris Saint-Germain. The Paris option is not active and neither Luis Campos nor Luis Enrique has made any approach to the player or to FC Barcelona.
Which club is showing the strongest interest in Koundé?
Liverpool have stolen a march and are said to be ready to put around €70 million on the table, a figure above the €55 million valuation given by Transfermarkt.
Where is Koundé likely to move if he leaves Barcelona?
England looks the likeliest destination in the event of a departure, rather than Paris, with Liverpool and other English clubs monitoring the situation.