Barcelona must pay La Liga rivals €2.5 million as defender nears variable-triggering milestone | OneFootball

Barcelona signed Jules Kounde in 2022 from Sevilla, picking up one of world football’s most promising centre-backs at the time for a fee of close to €50 million.

Since his arrival, he has played more as a full-back than a centre-back for Barcelona and has adapted wonderfully to the role given to him by both Xavi Hernandez and Hansi Flick.

His deal, however, also included many variables triggered by his success and participation – something that has forced the club to hand Sevilla multiple smaller cheques along the way.

Close to another variable

As relayed by SPORT in a recent report, a clause in the transfer agreement stipulates that Barcelona must pay Sevilla €2.5 million for every season until 2027 that Kounde makes an appearance in at least 45 minutes of 60% of the team’s games.

Being a regular starter for most of the season, the Frenchman has already made 34 appearances for Barcelona this season.

Kounde is currently injured. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

In any case where Barcelona fail to reach the quarterfinal or semifinal of the UEFA Champions League, he has already seen minutes in 60% of the team’s total games this season.

Should Barcelona play the maximum number of games possible by reaching the final of the UCL, he will have to play just two more games between now and the end of the season to hit that mark.

In either case, it is thus clear that Sevilla will receive their share of €2.5 million once again, as they have in recent years as well.

As it stands, Kounde is injured and will stay out for a couple of weeks more before he is fit enough to return. Given his importance under Flick, he is certain to return to the starting lineup once he is back in the squad.