Jules Kounde is expected to be closely monitored by Barcelona during the FIFA World Cup, which could influence his future at the club. He remains contracted until 2030, but he is not considered completely untouchable. Barcelona value his professionalism, experience, and tactical versatility, yet doubts have grown about whether his 2025/26 performances fully convinced in key moments. The club believes he must raise his level again to secure an automatic starting role. Barcelona are also considering increasing Eric Garcia’s importance at right-back to improve tactical balance in possession and create competition. No player is officially for sale, but significant offers will be evaluated if both sides are open to discussions. A strong World Cup with France could increase his value and clarify concerns about his progression.
"Barcelona are expected to closely monitor Jules Kounde during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, as the tournament could play a decisive role in defining his future at the club. Despite being tied to Barcelona until 2030, the French defender is not completely untouchable heading into the summer transfer window. Although the club still appreciate his professionalism, experience and tactical versatility, there is also a growing belief that his performances in the 2025/26 season did not fully convince at key moments."
"Kounde enjoyed another campaign with heavy involvement, but doubts emerged during certain stages of the season. While nobody at Barcelona is actively pushing him towards the exit door, the feeling is that the defender now needs to raise his level again to secure his place as an automatic starter moving forward. The Eric Garcia angle The situation becomes even more delicate because Barcelona are seriously considering increasing Eric Garcia's importance at right-back next season."
"The coaching staff believe the Spanish defender can provide stronger tactical balance in possession while also creating genuine competition for Kounde on the right side of defence. For now, this approach is viewed as a positive move that could increase standards across the backline. Amidst that, the message has been sent across the squad that no player is officially for sale, but significant offers will always be evaluated carefully if both the club and player are open to discussions."
"In the wake of this development, the World Cup is now seen as a major turning point in Kounde's future. Barcelona want to analyse whether Kounde's inconsistent moments during the season were simply linked to physical fatigue and the pressure surrounding a major international tournament, or whether there are concerns about his long-term progression. At the same time, though, a strong World Cup campaign with France could completely change the tra"
Read at Barca Universal
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