Barcelona could be busy when the transfer window re-opens in January, with possible signings and exits on the cards. There are plans to add a new centre-back to Hansi Flick’s squad, but there could also be one or two defenders on their way out.
This week, it’s been reported that [Barcelona are prepared to sanction January exits for Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/barcelona-plan-to-raise-e100m-from-selling-two-players-in-january/), with both players having fallen down the pecking order in recent months. The Catalans are keen to raise funds ahead of leaving the Spotify Camp Nou for the 2027-28 season, as they seek to make up for the expected drop in revenue that comes with returning to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on a temporary basis.
Both players have attracted strong interest from the Premier League, and in Kounde’s case, Chelsea are currently favourites to sign him. The Londoners missed out on him when Barcelona swooped in 2022, but according to [TEAMtalk](https://www.teamtalk.com/chelsea/jules-kounde-january-barcelona-transfer-chelsea-xabi-alonso-approves-move), the French defender is now willing to make the move to Stamford Bridge as early as January.
Recent speculation has claimed that Barcelona are open to selling Kounde for as little as €50m, which is around the price they paid to Sevilla in 2022. Chelsea would have little problem reaching this figure, which is why it would surely make sense for the Catalans to demand a higher price for a player that can still be considered one of the best in Europe in his position.
If Kounde is not going to recover his place as a starter anytime soon, it makes sense for Barcelona to sell him in 2027, especially with the interest being shown in his services. Flick has Eric Garcia, Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart as right-back options, although the club could seek a replacement instead, given the latter pair have been used more on the left.