Barcelona 'to prioritise Raphinha, Jules Kounde sales this summer'

The Catalan giants are expected to sanction a couple of player sales ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, as they look to balance the books and improve their Financial Fair Play situation.

While they are determined to keep the likes of Gavi, Pedri and Lamine Yamal, Barcelona have seemingly identified two players that could make way.

According to Sport, Barcelona are ready to prioritise the sale of Raphinha and Kounde during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims they are willing to entertain offers for the pair despite the belief they both want to remain with the Blaugrana.

With the club keen to bring in a significant amount of funds, they are prepared to sanction sales for two prominent players in the Barcelona squad.

Raphinha, who arrived from Leeds United in 2022, has scored five goals and provided eight assists in 24 appearances this season.

The Brazilian played a key role in Barcelona's recent 4-0 win over Getafe, registering a goal and an assist to help Xavi's side claim all three points.

However, the emergence of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal provides Barcelona with a ready-made replacement should they receive a suitable offer for Raphinha in the summer.

Kounde's transfer status has also been influenced by the recent breakthrough of an academy product, 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi.

The youngster has strengthened Barcelona's central defensive options, which also include Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Inigo Martinez.

Although Araujo and Christensen have both been linked with moves away, it appears that the club would prefer to consider proposals for Kounde.

The Frenchman, who can also play as a right-back, is said to be attracting interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.

A recent report also claimed that Arsenal were considering a move for Kounde as well as his Barcelona teammate Ferran Torres.

Despite being linked with a move away, Kounde has been a regular fixture in the Barcelona side this season, making 33 competitive appearances before Sunday's away meeting with Athletic Bilbao.