Kounde Dispels Barcelona Exit Rumours, Has News for Man Utd and Chelsea

• Jules Kounde has responded to rumours about him leaving Barcelona
• The defender has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United
• Kounde has made 18 starts at right-back this season for the Catalans

Jules Kounde has been linked with a move out of Catalonia this week, with reports from Spanish media suggesting the French defender would be willing to leave the La Liga champions for the right club.

The defender is rumoured to be unhappy playing at right-back when he would rather play in the centre of the defence.

Chelsea and Manchester United were suggested as potential destinations for the French international but the Premier League clubs look set to miss out.

Kounde took to Twitter to rubbish recent transfer rumours:

"To make it clear: at no time did I ask to leave, so I'm not going anywhere."

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On Wednesday, Marca had reported that Kounde had complained to the club due to his dissatisfaction with coach, Xavi for insisting on his right-back position.

The Frenchman had previously stated his preferred position is centre-back and even dismissed some offers over having to play on the wing.

Kounde ultimately opted for Barcelona, who secured his transfer for €50 million plus another €10 mil in variables. He was said to be surprised at taking on a role he was not interested in.

Kounde's season stats at Barcelona

Kounde has made 18 starts at right-back this season and only nine in central defence.

Regardless of his personal preference, he has been a regular for a La Blaugrana back-line that has only conceded 18 goals all season and kept 25 clean sheets in 36 contests.

Kounde is expected to be in the line-up as Barcelona take on Mallorca this Sunday in their final match at Camp Nou, before a massive renovation project starts.

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Mateu Alemany speaks on Kounde

Despite Kounde's tweet suggesting all is well, there clearly is an issue brewing between himself and the club hierarchy.

It was Mateu Alemany himself who acknowledged this before the match that Barcelona played against Real Valladolid.

"Kounde is a situation that we are resolving internally," explained the Catalan club's director of football.

Barcelona’s plan for Messi’s transfer

Earlier, Sports Brief reported about Barcelona’s grand plan to fund Lionel Messi's return to Camp Nou.

The Catalans' financial woes were the main reason he left the club in 2021 to pitch his tent in France.

Barca are said to be considering selling players and allowing veterans to leave, to see Messi return.