Chelsea renew Jules Kounde interest as Barcelona defender’s role comes under pressure

Chelsea are preparing to revive their attempts to sign Jules Kounde, with the Barcelona defender’s reduced role and decline in form increasing uncertainty over his future.

The France international has gradually lost his place in Barcelona’s starting XI compared with last season. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Kounde and Alejandro Balde are among the players who have not developed as expected under manager Hansi Flick.

Flick has built a reputation for improving young players at Barcelona, and Gerard Martin and Eric Garcia have benefited from that progress. Both have established themselves in important roles while Kounde, who joined Barcelona from Sevilla, has seen his playing time reduced.

Garcia has made a particularly strong impression as an option at right-back. His development followed a loan spell at Girona, where he had previously been outside the club’s plans. He has since regained his place in the Spain squad and become a valuable member of Flick’s team.

The 24-year-old has been used by Flick at centre-back, right-back and in defensive midfield, giving the manager a versatile option across several positions.

Chelsea failed to complete a deal for Kounde in the summer of 2022, despite coming close to securing his signature. Barcelona president Joan Laporta intervened and concluded the transfer in favour of the Catalan club.

However, Kounde’s generally strong performances have ensured Chelsea retain their interest. The London club has continued to monitor the defender and has informed his representatives of that position on several occasions.

“There are several Premier League clubs following the player’s situation very closely, and Chelsea have already asked about him in the past summer and are ready to make another move for him,” journalist Matteo Moretto said on the programme La Pizarra.

Moretto added: “If it were up to Chelsea, they would sound out the situation during the current winter transfer window, depending above all on the amount Barcelona would ask for.”

Chelsea are not the only major European club interested in Kounde. German newspaper Bild reports that Bayern Munich also have the defender on their list of targets.

Current indications are that Barcelona would demand at least 50m euros to allow Kounde to leave. Any decision is closely linked to the club’s own transfer plans, including whether it prioritises signing a world-class striker or strengthening at full-back.

Kounde is not currently considering leaving Barcelona. He remains strongly attached to both the club and the city, and has previously said he is fully focused on returning to his usual level and reclaiming a regular starting place.