Why Barcelona Funding Marc Cucurella Move Hinges On Sacrificing Jules Koundé

BusinessSportsMoneyWhy Barcelona Funding Marc Cucurella Move Hinges On Sacrificing Jules KoundéByTom Sanderson,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tom Sanderson has been primarily based in Barcelona since 2019.Follow AuthorMay 31, 2026, 04:58am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Marc Cucurella might be able to join Barcelona if the Catalans sell Jules Kounde.Xinhua News Agency via Getty ImagesFC Barcelona are interested in bringing Marc Cucurella home from Chelsea, however that potential operation will hinge entirely on being able to sell Jules Koundé according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources.Summer hasn’t even kicked off properly yet. But already we’ve seen that Barça aren’t mucking around when it comes to boosting a squad that won a domestic double under Hansi Flick in 2025/2026.Just this week, the Catalans have signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for €80 million while also launching a €100 million bid for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.Bernardo Silva is also meant to be a cert on a free transfer to bolster the wings and midfield. And in the meantime, defensive reinforcements could also be made in the way of Cucurella.Marc Cucurella has flirted with a Barcelona returnJust like his Stamford Bridge teammate Enzo Fernandez did with Real Madrid and get suspended for it, Cucurella has openly flirted with Barça in recent weeks.While on international duty with Spain, he confessed that the Blaugrana trying to bring the La Masia graduate home “would be difficult to refuse”. MORE FOR YOU"It’s not just about me. I’d have to think about my family. If it happens, it happens, and we’ll see what decision is made. You always think about going back. [But] I’m very happy there [in England], and so is my family. I’ll leave it for a few years from now,” Cucurella added.Yet a potential second stint at the Spotify Camp Nou, w...