FC Barcelona had a 2024/25 season to remember under Hansi Flick, wrapping up the domestic treble and also managing to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. The Catalan club will be hoping to build on the foundation and go all the way this upcoming season.
One of the most important players for Barcelona last season was Jules Kounde. The Frenchman was one of the first names on the team sheet for Hansi Flick, and he made the right-back position his own, until his injury in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.
Kounde adds a lot of quality to the team with his ability to be a strong defender, and with his ever-improving attacking game, his value cannot be understated. That assist to Raphinha in one of the games against Real Madrid last season was almost David Beckham-esque.
Barcelona close to an agreement with Kounde
Now, as per Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona feel an agreement is very close with Kounde over a new contract. The Frenchman is very happy at the Catalan club, and it looks like all parties want to continue together for the foreseeable future.
Kounde joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022 and has a contract with the club until 2027. While his situation isn’t as urgent as someone like Frenkie de Jong, who has less than 12 months left on his deal, the 26-year-old’s renewal is nearing closer.
One of the silver linings that emerged out of Kounde’s injury last season was the emergence of Eric Garcia as an excellent right-back option. The upcoming season could see the Spaniard used much more there, to give the Frenchman more rest.
The Eric option
Eric’s emergence also means Barcelona can use Kounde more as a central defender if needed. After all, that is the position that the club initially signed him for, and it is easy to forget just how good he was there, when he played for Sevilla.
It remains to be seen how things play out on this front for Barcelona in the coming days. The renewal could be dependent on FFP as the club needs to know if they will be able to register his new salary. Regardless, it is good to know that Kounde wants to continue, and long may this association persist.
