Chelsea enquire about Barcelona defender Jules Kounde as his role comes under pressure

Chelsea have asked about the situation of Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, who has started only five matches this season as his position in the team becomes increasingly uncertain.

According to Sport, Kounde has lost much of the prominent role he previously held and is now having to compete for the right-back position. His situation has been affected by Eric Garcia being used in that role, the emergence of Chavi Espart and Barcelona’s interest in signing another right-back.

Transfer expert Mateo Moretto said Chelsea are among the clubs most interested in Kounde. Speaking to DAZN, he said the Premier League club had already begun assessing whether a deal would be financially possible.

“There is one club in the Premier League, in particular, that has already started studying the figures and asking whether a deal could be completed, to find out if signing him is financially possible, and that club is Chelsea,” Moretto said.

It would not be the first time Chelsea have tried to sign the France international. The club showed interest in Kounde in 2022, but Barcelona eventually won the race for his signature, completing a deal with Sevilla worth 60 million euros.

Bayern Munich also monitored the defender’s situation during the summer transfer window and could make another attempt to sign him during the winter window.

Kounde’s potential departure could give Barcelona financial resources to strengthen other areas of their squad. Moretto said the defender could be one of the players whose sale generates funds for a further signing.

“Kounde could be one of the players Barcelona are able to make a financial return on by selling, perhaps to sign an out-and-out striker or another right-back,” he said.

Should Kounde leave, Barcelona would need to consider how to replace him. Tottenham’s Pedro Porro is among the names on the Catalan club’s list of potential targets and has emerged as a strong option if the Frenchman departs.

Kounde remains under contract with Barcelona until 2030, leaving him considerable time to reclaim the influential role he has lost. However, Chelsea’s interest has placed his future back in the spotlight ahead of the coming months.

Barcelona are due to face Aston Villa in the Champions League on 03 November 2026. Chelsea are listed to play Sunderland in the Premier League on 08 November 2026.