Barcelona boss Xavi has hinted that Jules Kounde could leave the Nou Camp as he remains unregistered for La Liga matches.
Kounde joined the Catalan giants at the end of July in a £46million move from Sevilla, beating out Chelsea to his signature. But due to major financial problems, they have been unable to register him as a player with La Liga.
The Spanish top-flight are refusing to allow him to be registered until Barca further cut down their massive bill. That means that at least one player needs to leave the club before the end of the summer transfer window.
They have just 10 days to sell either fringe players or a agree a big money deal for the likes of Frenkie de Jong. That is because Kounde has a clause in his contract that states he is free to leave Barca if he is not registered by 31 August.
According to Forbes, Kounde is 'edging closer' to that nuclear option, having again been left out of the Barca squad for their win over Real Sociedad on Sunday. The activation of the clause in his contract is now looming with the defender thought to be increasingly annoyed at his situation.
It is stated that Barca are desperately attempting to offload players who are not in Xavi's plans. But president Joan Laporta is struggling to convince the likes of Martin Brainthwaite to terminate their contract.
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A further problem with the clause is that it would also leave Barca having to pay an extra £2m to Sevilla. Barca boss Xavi appears to be growing more concerned by the day, with the Spaniard admitting on Sunday that Kounde leaving is a very real possibility.
"It's the situation we have. It doesn't bother me. Everyone looks to their future. To have a solution. It doesn't bother me. It bothers me not to have Koundé. The market doesn't end until September 1. Perhaps Jules would have played today," he said.
"It bothers us all. Don't get me wrong. Mateu and Jordi are doing an extraordinary job. It bothers me because we signed him to play. The first ones to get upset are Mateu and Jordi. The player understands that. It's what we have. Let's wait for the next week, let's see if there is luck."
Kounde will hope he can be registered in time to face Real Valladolid this coming Sunday. Pierre-Emerick Aubamyeng is closing in on a move to Chelsea, which could free up the funds needed to register the Frenchman.
But the clock is now ticking, with Kounde's situation hanging over Barcelona. In his absence they eased to a 4-1 win over Sociedad, though Xavi was still left unhappy by his side's performance.
"We have been brave. We still lack understanding of the game. De Jong gives us a lot of things. He has divided. We have to lose fewer balls and understand the game better. We have done well by bringing Pedri down to the base and Gavi between the lines, who is used to After Rayo's tie, it wasn't easy," he said.
