Jules Kounde has finally addressed his Barcelona future amid rumors he is set to leave the club in the summer.
Kounde, 24, is in his first year in his Barcelona career after joining the club from Sevilla last summer.
The prolific France international has broken into Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona starting eleven and has played 38 matches for the club this season.
Reports emerged that Jules Kounde was unhappy at Camp Nou despite his seeming success with the club less than a year into his five-year contract.
Before his €55m move to Barcelona, Kounde played as a center-back at his previous clubs but was forced to play as a right-back by Barcelona head coach, Xavi Hernandez.
On Wednesday, reports emerged he is ready to leave the club at the end of the summer despite clinching the La Liga trophy in his debut season because of being forced to play out of his natural center-back position under Xavi Hernandez.
Spanish media outlet, Football Espana, claimed Jules Kounde has questioned his future at Barcelona and has told Xavi Hernandez he would be open to leave the club at the end of the summer.
After helping the Catalans win their first La Liga trophy for the first time since the 2018/19 season, Jules Kounde’s summer exit would have dented Barcelona’s team plan.
The Blaugrana are edging close to the end of an era of legendary defenders at the club. Gerard Pique bowed out of the club after 14 years. Jordi Alba is also set to leave the club at the end of the season after 11 years.
Jules Kounde was primed by Barcelona to lead the emergence of a new generation of Barcelona defenders in the nearest future.
He was on the club’s long-term plans to succeed Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba hence his exit would have been another setback for the Catalans.
Now, Jules Kounde has cleared the air on the rumored summer exit from Camp Nou.
As per Fabrizo Romano, the France international confirmed he has never asked to leave Barcelona at the end of the season.
“To be 100% clear, I have never asked to leave Barcelona and I’m not going to leave the club. I am not going anywhere,” Kounde said.
Also Xavi confirmed he has met with Jules Kounde and has resolved issues with him.
“There is no problem at all with Jules. I spoke to him and it’s all clarified,” he said.
Kounde was among Barcelona’s top signings last summer, arriving the club with Raphinha from Leeds United, Robert Lewandwoski from Bayern Munich, Frank Kessie AC Milan, and Christensen from Chelsea.
He has won the La Liga and Spanish Super Cup in his debut season with the club, making 38 appearances in all competitions.
How many goals has Jules Kounde scored for Barcelona?
Jules Kounde has scored only one goal for Barcelona with four assists in all competitions this season.
How much is Jules Kounde earning at Barcelona?
Jules Kounde is one of Barcelona’s highest earners. His weekly wage at the club is estimated at £300,000.
How long is Jules Kounde’s Barcelona contract?
Jules Kounde signed a five-year contract with Barcelona in 2022 which will see him stay at the club till 2027.
