Barcelona again linked with right-back amid Jules Kounde struggles | OneFootball

This time last year Jules Kounde was being praised as one of the best right-backs in Europe, as he came off the back of a hat-trick of assists in the Champions League. Yet this season has been far more difficult for the Frenchman, who has not looked himself since an injury in late April.

Barcelona had until then been linked with a move for a right-back this past summer, but Director of Football Deco appeared to change priorities at that point, instead moving for a forward (Marcus Rashford) and a goalkeeper Joan Garcia (goalkeeper). Eric Garcia has become the de facto alternative.

Jules Kounde continues to struggle

After starting the vast majority of matches last year, this season Hansi Flick has rotated Kounde out more often. Although he missed their last game with muscle discomfort, and has started the majority again he has been on the bench on three occasions. Throughout those appearances, Kounde has not looked himself though, frequently surpassed by opposition wingers, offering little in attack and like most of the Barcelona backline, troubled by the offside line. Even on France duty though in a comfortable win, he has come in for more criticism.

Barcelona linked with Premier League right-back

Notably, Barcelona have again been linked with Crystal Palace right-back Daniel Munoz. The Colombian international is thought to be available for €30m, as per The Daily Briefing, and Chelsea are the other side that have notified his agent of interest through intermediaries. Munoz is under contract until 2028.

Daniel Munoz of Crystal Palace acknowledges the fans. (Image via Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Could Barcelona realistically make a move for Munoz?

Munoz does fit the profile of player that Barcelona would perhaps seek in terms of skillset, but there are obstacles to a move. The primary one being Munoz’s age: he will begin next season 30 years old, meaning Barcelona are unlikely to invest heavily in him. Equally, Deco has made a point of shifting the club towards younger signings where possible.

Kounde confirmed in the summer that he had signed a new deal with the club too, meaning that Barcelona will likely stick with him as a right-back, or move him into central defence. The fact that Barcelona’s priority is a number nine for next summer, means the budget for a new right-back will be slimmed down too.