Ronald Koeman wants to bring the young defender to Camp Nou.
Barcelona have reportedly identified their next defender target whom Ronald Koeman wants to add to the squad.
According to reports, Barcelona are interested in Sevilla defender Joules Kounde, who burst onto the scene last season.
Teaming up with Diego Carlos in the defence, Kounde took La Liga by storm as he played a big role behind Sevilla’s success last season – a fourth-place finish in La Liga and Europa League trophy.
The 22-year-old, who moved from Bordeaux last summer, has also been watched by Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid.
The French U-21 star has become an integral part of Julen Lopetegui’s side and is said to have a release clause worth 70m pounds.
Barca’s new manager Ronald Koeman wants the young defender in his new project but has a stumbling block with the release clause.
Furthermore, Kounde stated earlier his intentions to continue with Sevilla.
Kounde said,
‘I will stay next year, I am very happy here and we are going to enjoy the Champions League, I will not look away – I want to stay here.’
The Blaugrana have also identified Manchester City defender Eric Garcia as a potential target this summer.
Garcia, who recently turned down a new deal from Citizens, looks interested in returning to his former club and it would take around 15 m euros for Barcelona for his signature.
Garcia’s contract runs out next summer, and Barca are also thinking about signing him as a free agent.
