RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Barcelona make contact with World Cup-winning defender as Premier League interest in Jules Kounde grows
Barcelona appear to be preparing for every possibility surrounding Jules Kounde’s future, with the club making contact with the camp of Tottenham Hotspur right-back Pedro Porro.
The development does not mean Barcelona have decided to sell Kounde.
Rather, the French defender has not indicated that he wants to leave Camp Nou, but interest from the Premier League has created enough uncertainty for the Catalan club to start looking at potential solutions.
According to Gerard Romero , Barcelona have recently sounded out Porro’s representatives as part of their contingency planning.
It is a significant move because Porro has only recently committed his future to Tottenham.
The Spanish international signed a new long-term contract with the London club in June, with Spurs describing him as one of the team’s leaders.
Barcelona contact Pedro Porro amid Kounde uncertainty
Kounde has attracted interest from Premier League clubs this summer, with Arsenal among the sides reported to be monitoring the situation.
Barcelona have reached out to Pedro Porro’s reprensentatives. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
For Barcelona, the biggest concern is not necessarily that Kounde is actively looking for a way out.
Instead, it is the possibility that a major offer could arrive late in the transfer window and force the club into a difficult decision.
Romero explained that Barcelona have already taken the first step towards understanding whether Porro could be an option.
“Contact has been made in recent days with Pedro Porro, with the full-back’s entourage,” he said.
“He is one of the highest-paid players at Tottenham.
“He renewed very recently, but Barcelona have sounded out his entourage in the event that [Jules Kounde] leaves.”
Even though the club already has options at right-back, Porro’s profile makes him an attractive alternative.
Porro would be difficult for Barcelona to sign
Bringing Pedro Porro to Barcelona will be extremely difficult. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
On that note, the problem for Barcelona is Tottenham’s position.
Porro has just signed a fresh long-term deal, meaning Spurs have little reason to entertain a sale unless an offer arrives that is difficult to reject.
The right-back has also become an important part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans, making a Barcelona move complicated from the outset.
Romero also stressed that Kounde himself has not given Barcelona a reason to believe that he wants to leave.
“Kounde has many offers from the Premier League; so far the player hasn’t shown any signs of wanting to leave, but it’s a case that’s half open, so anything can happen.”
That leaves Barcelona in an unusual position. They have a defender who appears happy to stay, but enough outside interest to make the club consider what would happen if the situation suddenly changed.
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