The defensive performances of FC Barcelona have been a constant source of headache for Xavi Hernandez, especially after the heroics of last season when the team won La Liga on the back of its defense.
The team has been unable to keep their opposition from scoring past them despite the plethora of options available for Xavi.
As things stand, the Barcelona coach has Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Inigo Martinez, and Pau Cubarsi all available, while Eric Garcia and Clement Lenglet will return from their loans this summer.
With such a high number of defenders in their squad, Barcelona will be looking to part ways with at least one of them, especially one who can bring in a significant amount of money which the club can invest in other needed areas.
In this regard, one of the players that has been linked with a move away from the Catalan club is Ronald Araujo, particularly because of the keen interest and readiness to make a big investment that Bayern Munich has shown in the player.
However, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona’s first choice will be to sell Jules Kounde, who has a lot of demand in the market in Europe but has not been at his best for the Catalans this season.
He has been playing at the right-back position for some weeks, despite publicly claiming that he does not like playing at this position. Furthermore, he has also left a lot to be desired when playing as a center-back, his preferred position.
Barcelona want to retain Araujo and are already working on his renewal. Similarly, Inigo Martinez has adapted well at his new club, and his left foot allows Xavi more diversity in defense.
Pau Cubarsi is a bet for the future, while Barcelona are also monitoring how Christensen will develop as a midfield pivot going forward. Thus, Jules Kounde remains the best-suited candidate for a departure next summer.
