Barcelona identify 26-year-old Serie A defender as Jules Kounde’s backup – Report | OneFootball

Hansi Flick has done an incredible job with the squad at his disposal at FC Barcelona despite not getting many signings in the summer transfer window. Dani Olmo has proved to be a transformative signing, but most of what the German coach has done is with names that were already in the squad.

Among the many players that he has improved, one of them is Jules Kounde, who has taken giant strides forward as a right-back this season. From being a restrictive presence on the right flank, the Frenchman has found new joy in bombing forward and combining with Lamine Yamal.

The 26-year-old Frenchman has played 51 games across all competitions for Barcelona, scoring three goals and providing 8 assists. He has played more than 4000 minutes this season and hasn’t missed a game for club or country since 2023.

Kounde’s fitness and immense work ethic have allowed him to be such a regular presence for club and country, but at Barcelona, his game time is also driven by Hansi Flick’s lack of faith in his backup, Hector Fort. In the long run, this might not be sustainable.

Barcelona might be looking to address this situation in the summer and signing a right-back who can be an alternative for Kounde. Now, as per Fichajes, the Catalan club has set their sights on Brazilian right-back Dodô, who plays for Fiorentina.

The same age as Kounde, Dodo has played 41 games across all competitions for the Italian side, registering 5 assists. He is excellent going forward, and his speed and ability to dribble past opposition have caught the eye.

Barcelona’s interest in Dodô is not exclusive, with clubs like Tottenham, Atlético Madrid, AC Milan, and Juventus also in the running for the talented Serie A star. Thus, Deco’s task will be cut out, if the Catalan club wants this player.

It remains to be seen who Barcelona will ultimately target as a right-back alternative to Jules Kounde. The decision could take time and require extensive scouting. We’ll have to wait and see whether the club makes a concrete move for Dodô in the coming months.