Barcelona, still one of the most important clubs in Europe even without Lionel Messi, could transfer one of the important players from Naples, and for a much smaller amount than thought. Kalidou Koulibaly is the defender that Barcelona wanted to transfer just a few months ago, but the amount of 60 million euros requested by Napoli was considered too high for a 31-year-old player with a contract that it expires in less than a year.
Barcelona refocused on Jules Kounde, a French national from Seville, but they should also pay 60 million euros for him, an amount considered too high by the Catalan leadership. In the absence of negotiations to reduce the defender's price, those from Barcelona could still be tempted to turn to Kalidou Koulibaly, who is now offered for only 20 million euros, much more suitable for a defender who would he only plays for a few more years in the team.
Barcelona returns to Kalidou Koulibaly instead of Kounde
Napoli would still like to get something in exchange for the defender before he leaves free of contract to another team, but it is hard to say if Barcelona would be willing to pay this money. It is well known that Barcelona had serious financial problems last year, losing Messi because of them, and now the team wants to bring in the best players at the lowest prices, a tactic they have gotten into quite a bit in the past many very big clubs.
Barcelona are keeping the Koulibaly operation open in case they cannot sign Koundé.
— @sports pic.twitter.com/1WssUCVs4L
- Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 25, 2022
In the absence of options, Xavi Hernandez could accept at Barcelona almost anything that could be taken from him, and the Italian press says that Kalidou Koulibaly has quite high chances of arriving at Camp Nou in the next period. Considering that Barcelona needs a good defender to strengthen the team's defense for the next season, this solution could be one of the best that the team could turn to, but it remains to be seen what kind of decisions will be made.
Barcelona is trying to transfer other important players in the next period, but it is difficult to find people who are really good and cheap, this year's transfer budget not being one of the biggest.
