Barcelona defender shuts down exit talk – ‘It’s pretty clear’ | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde will not be leaving the club this summer if he has anything to do with it. The French defender has been one of the names frequently linked with an exit this summer, but it appears he will not be going anywhere.

Kounde was one of Barcelona’s most consistent players in Hansi Flick’s first season, forming a strong tandem with Lamine Yamal on the right flank. He remained a starter for much of the season, but was benched for Eric Garcia in the final Clasico of the season, as the Blaugrana secured the title. That followed several months of talk that Barcelona would listen to offers for Kounde this summer.

Kounde shuts down sale rumours

Despite his downturn in form, Kounde will be part of the France squad at the 2026 World Cup, and competing for a starting spot under Didier Deschamps. From the France camp, Kounde told Diario AS that he had no intention of leaving Camp Nou.

“I have a contract until 2030. In my mind, that’s pretty clear. With the French national team, those things take a back seat. I’m focused on the competition until further notice. I’m at Barca and I hope to stay there.”

Eric Garcia could challenge Kounde for starting spot

For much of this season, Flick preferred to use Eric Garcia in central defence or at times in central midfield, maintaining faith in Kounde at right-back. Yet it seems that ahead of next season, Garcia may be considered a permanent solution out wide if reports from Catalonia are to be believed. Flick avoided questions on Kounde’s future at the end of the season, but at the very least, it seems he will have to earn the status of guaranteed starter back, with Garcia one of the most consistent performers for the Catalans last season.