Bayern Munich eye Jules Koundé for January move

Bayern Munich are weighing a January move for Jules Koundé, according to Sport, with any deal contingent on the Bundesliga champions first raising funds through their own squad.

Koundé, 27, has started the season as a substitute at right-back, with Hansi Flick preferring Eric García in that role. His preferred position is centre-back, and Bayern see that versatility as part of the appeal.

Bayern's plan depends on Kim Min-jae leaving first. The South Korean is understood to have a market value of around €40m, and his departure would free the funds and the squad space to move for a centre-back. Tomas Araujo of Benfica, priced around €35m, is also under consideration, but Koundé would represent the more established target given his experience.

Barcelona are reported to be open to a sale if a suitable offer comes in. Koundé joined the club in the summer of 2022 and signed a contract extension to 2030 last year; he has scored seven goals for Barcelona since arriving. His market value is currently put at around €60m, against a figure north of €50m previously cited as Barcelona's asking price. There has been no contact yet between the two clubs.

Should Kim Min-jae's exit materialise as expected, Bayern's move for Koundé would likely follow quickly, though the size of the fee required to prise him from Camp Nou remains the main obstacle.