Sport: Kounde makes only two starts this season, several top clubs interested

According to Diario Sport, Kounde's situation at Barcelona is attracting attention. The French defender has started only twice this season and has lost his right-back spot, with several clubs now monitoring his transfer situation.

Kounde was aware this would be a challenging season. Last season he had already lost some playing time, but now he understands he is no longer an undisputed starter and faces a role primarily on the bench. Barcelona made their position clear to him over the summer, even expressing openness to a sale, but the Frenchman decided to stay and fight for his place. After the league season began, Kounde is now reassessing his future. Many scenarios remain possible, but if the situation continues, all options will be on the table.

Barcelona has adopted a clear stance with two full-backs who were previously regular starters: Balde and Kounde. Balde, a youth academy product, was informed that his playing time would be severely limited and that he could explore offers. Kounde, meanwhile, knows he remains part of Flick's plans but is no longer a key player in the eyes of the coach and club. In a World Cup year, Kounde returned late from preseason but chose to stay. He has always committed to Barcelona and believes he can perform at the level he has shown in recent years.

Flick's decision is based purely on sporting grounds. The German coach has prioritized the full-back positions, identifying defensive weaknesses there when he arrived at Barcelona. Flick intends to overhaul these positions with fresh talent because he believes many defensive problems stem from the space in behind the flanks. He has already acted on this. Eric Garcia occupies the right-back position, while Cancelo and Espart cover the left flank. With no departures in these areas, the club has made limited investment in new signings.

Kounde has started only twice in eight official matches. Everything suggests his starts served primarily to rotate Eric Garcia rather than reflecting his standing in the team. While he frequently appears as a substitute in every match, he has lost his starting role. Now, with Christensen sidelined by injury, a window of opportunity has opened for him to reclaim a starting spot. Otherwise, the Frenchman will likely accept that his situation at Barcelona has become untenable.

The French international remains an attractive and coveted player in the transfer market. Given Flick's previous use of him and Barcelona's investment in extending his contract through 2030, his marginalization at the club is surprising. Regardless, Kounde now finds himself in the unusual position of being a substitute at Barcelona while remaining a starter for France—a situation that could have future implications.

Several top clubs are hoping Kounde will open the door to a departure. At least three Premier League clubs are interested in signing him. Bayern Munich was rumored to make a move last summer but ultimately did not, citing their inability to sell unwanted defensive players. Notably, Paris Saint-Germain has yet to make any move.

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com