Balde and Kounde uncertainty shapes Barcelona’s January plans

Barcelona are considering selling defenders Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde in the January transfer window to fund a move for a new centre-back, according to a report from El Nacional. The club could reportedly seek permanent sales of around €50m for each player, potentially raising €100m while freeing up essential salary-cap space under financial fair play rules.

Neither player has been told to leave, and no concrete bids have been submitted yet. However, both Balde and Kounde have reportedly slipped down manager Hansi Flick's pecking order behind Eric Garcia, Joao Cancelo, and Xavi Espart during the early 2026-27 season.