€65 million-rated Barcelona star’s contract renewal ceremony delayed — Report explains why | OneFootball

After a triumphant 2024–25 season that saw FC Barcelona lift three major domestic trophies, the club is now fully focused on preparations for the new campaign. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, the squad is currently on an Asian tour for pre-season friendlies.

Off the pitch, sporting director Deco is working diligently to strengthen the team, not just through new signings, but also by securing the long-term futures of key players.

Renewals for stars like Lamine Yamal have already been finalised. However, several other contracts set to expire in 2026 or 2027 remain unresolved, including that of French defender Jules Kounde.

While a new agreement for Kounde has reportedly been reached, the official signing ceremony was postponed due to the arrival of another high-profile name.

Rashford’s Arrival Takes Priority Over Kounde’s Presentation

(Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

According to Mundo Deportivo, the delayed ceremony of Jules Kounde’s renewal was a direct result of the logistical demands surrounding Marcus Rashford’s arrival.

The French defender was due to be presented with his extended contract in a formal ceremony before the team left for Asia. However, finalizing Rashford’s loan move from Manchester United took precedence.

Rashford joined Barça on a season-long loan with a €30 million option to buy and was unveiled with the iconic No. 14 shirt, becoming the first English player to don the Blaugrana colors since Gary Lineker. The club prioritized his medicals and media duties, which temporarily sidelined Kounde’s signing event.

Signing Ceremony Pending

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Despite the delay in the formal ceremony, an agreement between Barcelona and Kounde is already in place to extend his contract until June 30, 2030.

Signed from Sevilla in 2022 for around €50 million, Kounde has evolved into one of the club’s most consistent and reliable defenders. Though initially preferring a central role, the €65 million-rated French defender has flourished as a right-back under both Xavi and now Hansi Flick.

Kounde made 53 appearances in the 2024–25 season, underlining his consistency. His run of 104 consecutive matches for club and country, which began on November 28, 2023, ended when Hansi Flick rested him against Mallorca on April 22, 2025, to keep him fresh for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, where he went on to score a memorable extra-time winner.

Amid reported interest from Premier League clubs such as Manchester City, Kounde has consistently expressed his desire to stay at Barcelona. Securing his extension is seen as a key priority, especially as the club aims to maintain the core of the squad.

Although the official ceremony was delayed due to Rashford’s announcement, Kounde’s future at Barcelona appears firmly secured. The club is expected to hold the presentation after the team returns from the Asian tour, giving one of their most dependable defenders the recognition he deserves.