The relationship between the French defender and Hansi Flick is not at its best – due to transfer wishes from the German coach.
FC Barcelona are facing a potential transfer request from Jules Koundé, the 27-year-old defender, in this summer window. The situation could radically change the market for the Blaugrana team.
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The France international is seriously considering leaving the Catalan club for the Premier League – due to disagreements with sporting directors, who are looking for a new centre-back after Ronald Araujo was loaned to Liverpool, rather than moving Koundé into central defence.
The conflict between Jules Koundé and Hansi Flick
The tension between the player and Hansi Flick has escalated after Araujo’s departure. Koundé expressed to the German coach that he wanted to leave right-back to play as a centre-back – a role he held at previous clubs.
But Hansi Flick reiterated that he considers Koundé to be the undisputed first-choice right-back in the 2026/27 season. This stance led to a strong disagreement in Barcelona’s dressing room before the World Cup. The German coach demanded top performances from the player in the assigned position – which put an end to Koundé’s ambition to establish himself as a centre-back at Camp Nou.
Barcelona’s search for stoppers sparks Premier League interest
Koundé is unhappy that FC Barcelona are scouting for defenders like Aymeric Laporte or Cuti Romero – while he himself offered to fill the gap left by Araujo’s loan. As the board refused to move him to central defence, the player’s agent has initiated talks with British clubs who could offer him a guaranteed starting spot at centre-back.
A sale of the defender is not ruled out before the transfer window closes. Barcelona’s management is aware of the player’s position and will consider formal offers from England that meet the club’s financial requirements.
Meeting with the board – and a price tag
Representatives of Jules Koundé will hold a meeting with FC Barcelona’s board of directors to determine his future. If a bid of over €60 million comes from the Premier League, FC Barcelona will approve a sale – and enter the market themselves to bring in both a right-back and a centre-back.
Thus, Koundé’s future could be decided in the next few days.
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