Jules Kounde faces fight to keep Barcelona role

Jules Kounde’s status at Barcelona is facing renewed scrutiny after the French defender lost his guaranteed starting place under Hansi Flick.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a demanding 2025/26 campaign, but his role has changed at the beginning of the new season. Kounde has started only three of Barcelona’s first eight matches, with Eric Garcia currently preferred at right-back.

Kounde himself recently acknowledged that his performances last season were below his standards and said he must work to regain his place.

The situation has also affected his position with France. New coach Zinedine Zidane has experimented with Pierre Kalulu at right-back, creating genuine competition for a position Kounde had largely made his own under Didier Deschamps.

According to El Nacional, Barcelona could consider selling Kounde if an offer of around €70 million arrives. The report claims Flick wants a more attack-minded right-back capable of providing greater width and attacking depth.

Pedro Porro has reportedly emerged as the preferred replacement. The Tottenham defender fits that profile and has an established understanding with Lamine Yamal from their time together with Spain.

A move would depend on Barcelona receiving a substantial offer, but Kounde’s position is clearly no longer as secure as it once was.