Barcelona star does not want to play in an alternate position. Jules Kounde, a defender for Barcelona, reportedly told Xavi he doesn’t want to play right-back in the upcoming campaign.
Kounde, 24, reportedly told the management that he does not want to play full back in the 2023–24 season, according to Diario AS. The Frenchman’s efforts this season, according to Spanish journalist Juan Jimenez, haven’t lived up to expectations.
Kounde was brought to Barcelona from Sevilla last summer and was primarily signed as a center-back. Right-back options for the Blaugrana included Sergi Roberto and Hector Bellerin.
But because Bellerin left, Kounde has been forced to fill a temporary right-back position. In contests, he has played the position 18 times and has contributed three assists. The French defender doesn’t want to do that, though, in the upcoming season.
Barcelona is worried about Kounde’s abilities as a full-back as well. They believe he lacks the quickness and explosiveness needed for a right-back. The French defense acknowledged as much: “I don’t have any full-back reference points”
In the summer, Barca manager Xavi will be on the lookout for a new right-back, and Juan Foyth of Villarreal is a candidate. His signing, according to Mundo Deportivo, seems quite doubtful.
Kounde’s inability to live up to expectations can be ascribed to his use of a right-back position that is new to him. He had played 133 times as a center-back for Sevilla, where he excelled. His participation with France has suffered as a result of his limited playing time at center-back this year; he started their most recent Euro 2024 qualifying match from the bench.
Barcelona is where Aymeric Laporte wants to relocate:
Aymeric Laporte, a defender for Manchester City, reportedly turned down interest from Newcastle United and other European suitors, according to Mundo Deportivo. According to reports, the French defender is dead set on moving to Barcelona.
But Laporte’s probable transfer to Camp Nou is hampered by the Blaugrana’s financial issues. He has slipped down the list of starters at the Etihad after making 19 appearances and contributing to City’s five shutouts.
Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Eric Garcia are the current quartet of center-backs for Barcelona. So going into the summer, Laporte might not be at the top of their priority list.
Laporte’s contract with the Cityzens has two more years to run. Given that Barcelona doesn’t appear to need a new central defender, his decision to rule out a move to St James’ Park could prove costly.
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