THERE remains a chance that Jules Kounde does not become a Barcelona player this season due to a clause in his contract, according to reports.
The bizarre claim has been made by Spanish journalist Adria Soldevila who reports that he could walk away on a free transfer if the club don’t register him soon.
Kounde, 23, has agreed to join Barcelona from Sevilla in a deal believed to be worth around £50million.
However, the centre-back is currently nursing an injury so has therefore not been officially registered as a Barca player.
Therefore it is reported that if he isn’t registered by the end of August he would be allowed to leave on a free transfer.
The speculation further suggests that Barcelona would have to pay him £2million in contract clauses if this happens.
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LaLiga banned the club earlier this summer from registering new players until they met spending regulations.
Kounde was not in the squad for their season opener at home to Rayo Vallecano and it remains to be seen whether he is available for the second match versus Real Sociedad this weekend.
The Catalan giants reportedly therefore have less than two weeks to sort out the deal or he could depart.
This unusual saga could become music to Chelsea’s ears after they were desperate to bring him to West London only for their £55million deal to be hijacked by Xavi’s side.
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With Barcelona battling financial difficulties the last thing they’d want is for the deal not to go through and lose a sizeable amount of money.
Barca have spent heavily this summer bringing in the likes of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, who both have been registered after delays.
More players could be set to arrive at the Nou Camp with Marcos Alonso, Hector Bellerin and Bernardo Silva some of the players linked with moves.
There could be departures too with Frenkie de Jong, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sergino Dest all rumoured to be of interest to Premier League sides.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
