One of the toughest periods of Jules Kounde’s career at Barcelona is undoubtedly this one and, according to a report in Spanish publication Diario Sport, the worries within the club over the Frenchman’s decline in form this season are growing rapidly. The defender’s performances have become so poor that Barcelona are reportedly willing to sell the player in the summer transfer window, which represents a massive fall from grace for one of the best defenders in world football.
Spanish media report that, during several matches this season, Kounde has been so disappointing, he’s failed to live up to the standards that he previously set during the first couple of seasons he was at the Nou Camp. His form has gotten to the point where he’s now lost his place in the starting lineup in recent weeks, a feat that seemed unfathomable last season but will have to accept is the reality right now. Despite this grim reality, the Frenchman wants to stay in Barcelona next season and is ready to fight for his place back in the team.
Barcelona’s hierarchy are far from ruling out his sale though and he seems likely to leave every week. Two reasons for this is the number of top Premier League clubs that are believed to be monitoring his progress, and the financial troubles the Catalans are still facing. The club simply cannot ignore any chance they get to make money while reducing the wage bill by offloading a player.
From a sporting perspective the right back position in the Barca squad doesn’t seem to be lacking options at all and Hansi Flick has several players at his disposal including the likes of Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Joao Cancelo, Xavi Espart and is also expected to have Héctor Fort back at the club next season following his spell on loan at Elche.
It is also being reported that Kounde is no longer seen as undroppable even at international level with France and a move for the defender in the summer will surely see him looking to perform well at this summers world cup. Barcelona still have several options for right back even after letting him go and the fact that the Frenchman’s importance with the French national side has reduced is certainly not helping his chances.
The 27-year-old was injured with a muscular issue for Barca’s last game against Valencia and his immediate future remains undecided.
