Barça: Jules Koundé’s future looks increasingly uncertain!

Jules Koundé has slipped down the pecking order, while Barça are already considering other options at right-back

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Barça: Jules Koundé’s future looks increasingly uncertain!

Jules Koundé is going through a difficult period at Barça, where competition is increasing as Deco pursues another option at right-back.

The situation of Jules Koundé is becoming increasingly uncertain at FC Barcelona. The Frenchman has lost his starting spot on the right to Eric García, while Xavi Espart, who has been used on the left in recent weeks, can also play in his natural position on the right. This situation is once again fueling speculation about a departure in the coming months.

The trend is all the more evident given that Koundé has remained on the bench in Barça’s last three league matches, against Levante, Racing Santander and Sevilla. His last appearance for the Catalans came on September 9 against Feyenoord in the Champions League.

Barça revive their interest in Iván Fresneda

According to Sport, the Catalan club’s sporting department is already looking at the market to strengthen the position. Iván Fresneda, currently at Sporting CP, is particularly appealing to Deco. The 22-year-old Spanish full-back, recently called up by Spain after Pedro Porro withdrew, had already been closely monitored by Barça in 2023.

Sporting are currently seeking to extend Fresneda’s contract, which runs until 2028 and includes an €80 million release clause. Barça will therefore closely monitor the negotiations before deciding whether to make a genuine move for the player.

Koundé remains tied to Barça until 2030

A potential departure would nevertheless represent a major change in the Frenchman’s career trajectory. Having arrived from Sevilla in the summer of 2022 for around €50 million, Koundé has already made 193 official appearances in the blaugrana shirt, scoring 10 goals and providing 22 assists. In September, he became the most-capped Frenchman in the club’s history, level with Eric Abidal.

His contract was extended in August 2025 and now runs until June 30, 2030. Transfermarkt estimates his market value at €60 million. Tensions over his positioning and a possible departure had already been reported this summer.

A situation to monitor ahead of the transfer window

The situation could therefore become one of the key issues in the next transfer window for the reigning La Liga champions. From a sporting perspective, Koundé remains capable of playing both at right-back and in central defence, but the current competition is significantly reducing his playing time.

For Barça, a potential sale would also allow the club to recoup a substantial fee before investing in a younger full-back. Everything will now depend on Hansi Flick’s choices in the coming weeks and on the player’s stance, as he only extended his contract a little over a year ago.

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