Barcelona believe fullback duo will stay despite transfer plans | OneFootball

After quickly tying down a major acquisition, i.e., the English forward Anthony Gordon, the FC Barcelona sporting department has relaxed a bit, even though it continues to strengthen the team behind the scenes. One of the operations they are currently working on is the signing of the forward Julian Alvarez.

Meanwhile, the Catalans also have several exit operations ongoing. The most advanced of these are those of the two goalkeepers, Inaki Pena, who is close to joining the Greek side Panathiaikos, and Diego Kochen, who is close to joining the Danish side FC Copenhagen on loan. Similarly, the Blaugranes are also working on the departures of other players like Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Casado.

Another two players whom Barcelona would have allowed to leave if they wanted a departure this summer were the fullbacks Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde. However, according to a report from SPORT, the Catalans now understand that neither of them is open to leaving, and thus will remain in their squad for the next season.

The Spaniard saw his performances decline last season, and for the latter half of the campaign, lost his starting place to Joao Cancelo, a player who is expected to continue at the club as the Blaugranes are currently negotiating with Al-Hilal for his acquisition after the end of his loan term. Still, Balde does not want to leave and will continue fighting for a starting spot, even though Barcelona are close to landing another left-back, Jorge Salinas.

Similarly, Kounde also did not have a very good last season, and saw Hansi Flick starting Eric Garcia over him in some of the biggest games, like the one against Real Madrid in La Liga. For now, he seems to have recovered his form in the World Cup, but would still face a difficult fight against Garcia for the starting spot on the right-back position, where Hector Fort and Xavi Espart would also be vying for minutes.

Thus, both Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde now look likely to continue at Barcelona for the next season, and the Blaugranes would have to look at other players to complete their desired departures.