Jules Koundé could be living his last weeks as a player of FC Barcelona. The 27-year-old French defender has fallen out of favor in Hansi Flick's plans after a very irregular season, and the Blaugrana club is seriously considering his sale. All rumors about Barcelona's transfers point to the Frenchman's exit.
The Premier League emerges as the most likely destination if the exit door finally opens. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United have been linked in recent months with the Frenchman, whose price could range between 60 and 80 million euros. Unless there is a surprise, the defender will be transferred in the summer.
Flick points out Jules Koundé, and Barça seeks an exit for him
Jules Koundé's situation has changed a lot in just a few months. The Frenchman went from being one of the most utilized players by Barcelona to becoming a disputed piece due to his drop in performance.
Hansi Flick has lost confidence in the defender. The German coach values intensity, concentration, and defensive reliability above all, and Koundé has not shown that security in the final stretch of the season.
His World Cup has not started in the best way either. France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their debut, but the Barcelona player once again raised doubts in several defensive actions and failed to deliver a convincing performance.
That match reinforced the existing idea within Barcelona. If a good offer arrives before the summer progresses too much, the club could make a quick decision to avoid dragging out the matter.
Flick, according to these reports, would prefer to resolve the situation as soon as possible. If Koundé leaves before the World Cup ends, Barça would have more room to enter the market and reorganize its defense.
The idea is clear: to avoid another lingering situation. The club needs significant sales but also time to secure replacements and balance a squad that will compete for all titles again.
Koundé renewed with FC Barcelona until 2030, putting the club in a strong position in any negotiation. There is no contractual urgency, but there is a clear economic opportunity.
Barça paid around 55 million euros to Sevilla in 2022 to sign him. Three years later, his value remains high, especially because of his age, experience, and reputation in the Premier League.
Transfermarkt places him around 60 million euros. Some reports in England raise the potential deal to 70 or 80 million euros if several clubs enter the bidding.
For Barcelona, a sale in that range would be very important. It would allow them to generate wage margin, reinforce other positions, and prevent the player's value from dropping further if his performance continues to decline.
The club knows that selling Koundé is not a trivial decision. He is a French international, with experience on big stages and the ability to play both as a center-back and as a right-back.
But that versatility has also come at a cost. For several seasons, he has been used away from his preferred position, forced to play at full-back due to the team's needs.
The Premier League has always closely followed Jules Koundé. His physique, speed, ability to defend forward, and European experience fit well in the English championship.
Liverpool stands out as one of the most attentive clubs. Anfield's side is looking to strengthen its defense, and there were talks months ago of a possible offer close to 80 million euros.
Chelsea also knows the player well. In fact, before his arrival at Barcelona, they tried to sign him when he was still with Sevilla, although the Blaugrana club ultimately secured the deal first.
Manchester United, on the other hand, tends to keep an eye on versatile center-backs capable of playing in different roles. Koundé can operate inside, outside, and in formations with three defenders, which increases his appeal.
The challenge for interested parties will be the price. Barcelona does not want to give him away and knows that there is enough money in England to propose a significant deal.
Koundé will also have to decide whether he accepts a change of project. His desire has always been to succeed at Barça, but the new sporting scenario may push him to seek fresh air.
Koundé's continuity no longer seems as secure as in previous seasons. The player has a long contract, but there is a feeling that his cycle at Camp Nou may be nearing its end.
Barcelona has several defensive alternatives. Pau Cubarsí has established himself as a key player, Ronald Araújo remains a leader, and the club also values other profiles to complete the defense.
If Koundé leaves, Barça will lose hierarchy and experience. But they will also gain financial flexibility to operate in a market where they need to be smart.
Flick wants a reliable, aggressive, and focused defense. If he believes that the Frenchman no longer fits that mold, the sports management will have to seriously consider offers.
The World Cup could speed up everything. A poor display with France would further diminish his sporting credit, whereas a strong performance could help Barça uphold his price.
The ball is now in the club's court. The Premier League is lurking, Flick seems ready to look the other way, and Koundé faces a decisive summer.
Everything indicates that Barcelona will listen to proposals. If an offer close to 70 million arrives, the sale could be concluded within weeks and become one of the major operations in the Blaugrana market.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Hansi Flick quiere a este jugador fuera antes de que termine el Mundial