Barcelona’s Jules Kounde central role could become more than a pre-season experiment

Jules Kounde returned to central defence in Barcelona’s Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly, giving manager Hansi Flick a possible solution to one of his remaining decisions before the start of the 2026-27 La Liga season.

The France international has spent the past several seasons operating mainly as a right-back, but was restored to his familiar position in the middle of the defence for Flick’s final pre-season test. Barcelona begin their league campaign against Elche on Sunday, with the German coach still assessing the best balance for his back line.

Kounde started alongside Gerard Martin in central defence against the Egyptian side, while Eric Garcia was used at right-back.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, the positioning was unlikely to have been accidental and could offer clues about Flick’s plans for the current season.

Kounde was involved in the only goal Barcelona conceded, scored by Ahmed Sayed Zizo, after appearing too relaxed in a one-on-one duel. However, his overall display in central defence was viewed positively and may encourage Flick to turn the experiment into a regular tactical option rather than leave it as a pre-season trial.

The 27-year-old joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022 after establishing himself as one of the most highly regarded defenders in La Liga. He initially made his name as a central defender, first at Bordeaux and then at Sevilla, but his time at Barcelona has seen him develop into a versatile player capable of performing at a high level on the right.

His pace, ability to defend in open spaces and quality in possession have made him particularly effective as a full-back. Kounde also settled into the position for France, and his performances at the 2026 World Cup – where France reached the semi-finals – underlined his ability to play there successfully.

Even so, he did not produce his best football last season, prompting renewed consideration of a return to the centre of defence. Flick is now assessing whether a more familiar and influential version of Kounde can be brought back into the team.

The departure of Ronald Araujo, along with the need to manage the playing time of other defenders, has strengthened the case for Kounde to be used centrally. Those alternatives have reportedly been under consideration by Barcelona’s coaching staff for several weeks.

A change in Kounde’s role would also be linked to the responsibility Flick appears ready to give Eric Garcia at right-back. Garcia impressed in that position last season, despite central defence being his natural role, and could now become a more established option on the flank.

After the Joan Gamper Trophy, Garcia said Flick had told him he wanted to use him more often on the right, according to Sport. The Catalan defender’s ability to play in several positions gives Flick greater flexibility to change personnel without significantly altering the structure of his defence.

As a result, a partnership featuring Kounde in central defence and Garcia at right-back could become a recurring combination, rather than a short-term arrangement that would have seemed unlikely only a few weeks ago.

Sport posed the central question surrounding the experiment: “Was what appeared against Al Ahly simply a requirement of a pre-season still under construction, or is Flick preparing Kounde to reclaim a larger role in central defence?”

Should Barcelona not sign another defender, Kounde faces competition for a central role from Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen and young defender Alvaro Cortes. His experience, recovery speed and ability to defend with space behind him could nevertheless make him especially valuable to a Barcelona side that often needs defenders capable of covering large areas.

The Al Ahly match provided the first indication that Flick may be considering a wider change. Kounde returned to the role in which he first made his reputation just as Barcelona prepare for a season in which his versatility could become one of the team’s most useful assets.

Kounde has been linked with a move away from Barcelona this summer, with Arsenal reportedly monitoring him. However, Spanish reports in recent days have said the defender does not want to leave Camp Nou.