Jules Kounde and Karim Adeyemi of FC Barcelona
Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images
Jules Kounde is experiencing an unexpected and challenging period at FC Barcelona.
The French defender, one of the players most frequently used by Hansi Flick since his arrival in 2024, has lost his place in the starting line-up this season, sparking debate about his situation.
The discussion is not about his overall contribution to the club, which is beyond question. Rather, for the first time since establishing himself as a right-back, Kounde has had to fight to retain his place in the team, giving way to speculation about his future.
A historic milestone within reach against Getafe
Amid the uncertainty, Kound has a significant achievement within reach that puts his importance to Barcelona into perspective, reports AS.
If he gets the opportunity to play against Getafe this Saturday at the Spotify Camp Nou, he will become the French player with the most appearances in Barcelona’s history, overtaking Eric Abidal, who made 193 appearances for the club.
Jules Kounde of Barcelona
Major milestone in sight. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Kounde equalled Abidal’s record with his appearance against Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League.
Across his 193 appearances for Barcelona, the defender has scored 10 goals and provided 22 assists. And, he finds himself one step away from history, although it remains to be seen if he gets the moment against Getafe.
Kounde struggles for minutes under Flick
After all, Kounde has been named on the bench in six of Barcelona’s first seven La Liga matches, and on several occasions he has not even made it onto the pitch.
So far this season, he has accumulated just 261 minutes across La Liga and the Champions League, with Eric Garcia earning Flick’s trust as the starting right-back.
Kounde, meanwhile, has not looked for excuses. While on international duty with France, he acknowledged that his reduced role was a consequence of his inconsistent performances last season, which he described as being “below my standards”.
Place in the France team is also uncertain
Kounde’s position in the French national team is no longer guaranteed either. New head coach Zinedine Zidane has made it clear that he does not have many automatic starters and that every player must earn their place.
Jules Kounde of France
No longer a regular starter for club or country. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
During the latest international break, the 27-year-old ace started against Turkey but was left out against Belgium and Italy. He returned to action in the most recent match against the Belgians.
The defender is therefore no longer an undisputed starter for either Barcelona or France. Against this backdrop, reports of a possible departure during the January transfer window have resurfaced.
Kounde, however, has no intention of leaving Barcelona, where he is under contract until 2030. His aim is to work harder, improve his performances and convince Flick that he can return to his previous level.
Despite his current struggles for regular minutes, the potential milestone underlines the contribution Kounde has made since joining the club. And his immediate challenge is to regain Flick’s confidence.
Lionel Messi, Argentina and Barcelona legend
Lionel Messi, Argentina and Barcelona legend