Jules Kounde’s Barcelona future in question as Bayern Munich weigh January approach

Jules Kounde could have another opportunity to leave Barcelona in January, with Bayern Munich reportedly considering a move for the France defender.

The 27-year-old’s standing at Barcelona has declined this season, despite manager Hansi Flick restoring him to the centre of defence after he had increasingly been used as a full-back in recent years.

Kounde has started only three of Barcelona’s seven matches so far this season. Eric Garcia, who has also undergone a similar positional change, has moved ahead of him in Flick’s plans.

Kounde was among the players Barcelona considered selling during the summer transfer window, but he ultimately remained at the club. His current contract runs until June 2030.

According to Foot Mercato, citing Spanish newspaper Sport, Bayern Munich have made Kounde one of their leading targets for the upcoming winter transfer window.

The German club are reportedly planning to raise about 30m euros through the sale of Kim Min-jae and use that money to fund a move for Kounde. There have been no discussions between the parties so far, although Bayern are understood to be fully aware of the defender’s situation at Barcelona.

However, persuading Barcelona to part with Kounde is unlikely to be straightforward. Several sources say the Catalan club have set a demanding asking price of 75m euros for the player.

Although Barcelona are considering the possibility of selling him, Kounde remains part of the squad’s rotation and is still tied to the club for several more seasons. His departure would therefore require Barcelona to find a suitable replacement.

The club’s decision will also depend on its priorities for the January market. Barcelona’s initial focus is understood to be the recruitment of a left-footed centre-back, while the club are also monitoring forwards who could become available.