Why Jules Kounde’s contract renewal is a big boost for Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona’s decision to renew Jules Kounde’s contract could not have come at a better time, as the French defender has quietly become one of the most important players under Hansi Flick, offering reliability, versatility, and quality on the right side of defence.

While high-profile names often steal the headlines, it is players like Kounde who provide the kind of consistency that winning teams are built on.

In the ever-demanding structure of modern football, where tactical flexibility and team chemistry are critical, retaining a player of Kounde’s calibre is a major step forward.

When you look at it, this renewal is not just about keeping a good player, as it is about safeguarding the spine of a defence that blends youth, experience, and tactical intelligence.

His chemistry with players like Lamine Yamal further underlines the long-term thinking behind the deal.

On that note, here are three reasons why Kounde’s contract extension is a major win for Barcelona.

One of the best in his position

Jules Kounde is one of the best right-backs right now. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Jules Kounde has cemented his place as one of Europe’s most consistent right‑backs in the 2024‑25 La Liga campaign.

He featured in 32 league matches, accumulating roughly 2,606 minutes, scoring 2 goals and registering 3 assists. Per 90 minutes, he averaged around 1.8 tackles, 0.66 interceptions, and 2.62 clearances – all solid numbers for his role.

With a clean sheet rate of 31 % (10 shut‑outs in 32 appearances), Barcelona conceded on average just 0.97 goals per 90 when he was on the field.

These stats underline his defensive reliability and contribution to both defence and attack.

Consistency and fitness

Kounde is very reliable. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Barcelona can rely on Kounde week in, week out. Out of 32 La Liga fixtures, he started 29 times and was rarely absent, logging over 2,600 minutes of action.

That level of availability is increasingly rare at the top level. His consistency throughout the season helped Barça maintain structure and discipline in defence, vital traits in a season with intense domestic and European commitments.

It must be noted that Kounde played a whopping 104 matches in a row for Barcelona and France before he was finally rested in April 2025. This includes 86 matches for Barcelona and 18 for the national team.

To put things in perspective, between November 2023 and April 2025, the Frenchman played 86 games in a row for the club.

As a result of this, Kounde’s durability has allowed Flick to deploy a stable backline and rotate others around him.

Growing understanding with Lamine Yamal

Kounde has a great partnership with Lamine Yamal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

One of the standout aspects of Kounde’s recent form has been his synergy with Lamine Yamal.

Yamal ended the La Liga season with 9 goals and 13 assists, many of which were linked to moves initiated from the right flank by Kounde.

Their understanding allows Barcelona to transition quickly from defence to attack. With Kounde providing overlaps and defensive cover, Yamal is free to take risks and drift inside, which is an essential part of Flick’s fluid tactical system.

“We understand each other very well. Sometimes people forget that, despite his immense talent, he’s still a teenager. He loves making jokes, and that’s great because I do too,” said Kounde about his relationship with Yamal earlier this year.

Across all competitions, Yamal hit 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches, showing how crucial this partnership is for Barcelona’s present and future.

All in all, Kounde’s renewal not only ensures defensive strength but also provides tactical flexibility and improves team chemistry while also allowing Barcelona to avoid expensive transfer alternatives.