El Barcelona continues to shape its squad for next season, as it is still not finalized despite the arrivals of Joan García and Marcus Rashford. It is true that all the lines seem to be in place, but there could be some changes in defense. In fact, Jules Koundé has been in the news in recent hours after it emerged that he had received an offer from Manchester City, but the Barcelona club has already begun talks to extend his contract and secure his future, something that seems more than likely to happen.
Among the tasks pending for Deco and the rest of the sporting management are the renewal of Frenkie de Jong and the sale of those players who are not in Hansi Flick’s plans. Oriol Romeu, Pau Víctor, and Andreas Christensen are the leading candidates to leave Camp Nou this summer, but various reports also suggest that Gavi and Fermín López could leave on loan to get the playing time they need to continue their development and progress and not miss out on the opportunity to play in the 2030 World Cup under Luis de la Fuente representing Spain.
City wanted Koundé
According to French media outlet RMC, Manchester City and another powerful European club, whose name has not been revealed, tried to sign Jules Koundé this summer. The French defender, who can play as a center back or full back, is a key player in Hansi Flick‘s defense, and neither the German coach nor Barcelona want to let him go.
This information suggests that the former Sevilla player is very happy in Barcelona at the moment and is not considering leaving, which is why he has rejected both clubs. Jules Koundé has established himself on the right wing, although the player himself has acknowledged on occasion that his preferred position is center back.
Despite his strength on the right side, Barcelona are looking for a full-back to further strengthen a squad that has already been bolstered by the arrivals of Joan García and Marcus Rashford, and in recent days has been linked with Denzel Dumfries. If this signing goes ahead, which would cost €25 million until July 31, the Dutchman would arrive to compete with the Frenchman.
Koundé’s renewal
Jules Koundé currently has a contract until 2027, which means he would have two more seasons with the Barça shirt. Clubs start to get impatient about renewals when there is only a year left, given the risk that the player could leave for free once his contract expires, which is why Barça want to stay ahead of all these possible moves by negotiating with the French defender. Mundo Deportivo claims that talks are already underway and that the Catalan club’s intention is for him to sign his new contract this summer.
Right now, the priority is the renewal of Frenkie de Jong, who has entered the final year of his contract and whom they do not want to lose, as the Dutch midfielder has grown under Hansi Flick. Once the former Ajax player’s situation is resolved, Jules Koundé could be next. This information suggests that Barça has already been in contact with the French defender’s representatives and that the feelings on both sides are positive, meaning that the 26-year-old could end up extending his contract and continuing to play for the club for the next few years.