Aston Villa FFP worry emerges as message sent to Monchi over £70m+ transfer claim
Ty Bracey believes Aston Villa should be careful before a move for Jules Kounde as Barcelona could demand a high fee in the summer transfer window.
Spanish outlet, Todofichajes have reported (1 May) that Mochi could look to sign the Frenchman who he brought to Sevilla and sold to Barcelona.
The Barca man could be an option for Unai Emery as a versatile defender who can play as a centre-back and right-back, similar to Ezri Konsa.
Although he has definite quality, Bracey has suggested that the Villans may be priced out of a move in the transfer window.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bracey said: “He’s a very good player. I know he can play centrally but I think if he was to come in it would be for right back and not for centre back because he’s smaller.
“We need big players in the air, especially in the Premier League. We’ve leaked a lot of goals from set pieces this season.
“I think it would be great but if Barcelona don’t want to get rid that’s where you see silly money floated about.
“Would I want us to spend £70-80million on a right-back? Probably not.
“I know he’s a good player. It’s the money side with FFP, we have to be careful. You could say that he fits the mould.”
Should Aston Villa sign Jules Kounde?
The Frenchman has played a key role for Barcelona this year although they weren’t able to win La Liga up against Real Madrid.
According to SofaScore, Kounde has played 31 times this campaign in which he has contributed to 12 clean sheets.
Being a Barcelona player with Xavi in charge, he is used to a passing football system, similar to what Emery employs with Villa.
This has seen him have 88 touches, 64.9 passes and a 91 per cent accuracy per 90 so far this campaign.
Comparing him to Konsa, he has 79 touches 62.2 passes and a 94 per cent accuracy which just goes to show how similarly they profile.
In that right-back role that Emery likes with them being more defensive-minded, Kounde could slot in nicely. This would allow Konsa to play regular football as a centre-back.
Obviously, price will play its part in this move but if it can work for both sides financially, Kounde to Villa could be an excellent signing.
In other Aston Villa news, Emi Buendia drops a brilliant injury update on social media.
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