Jules Kounde faces reduced playing time at Barcelona this season

Jules Kounde has seen his role at Barcelona diminish during the opening weeks of the 2026/27 LaLiga season. Coach Hansi Flick has moved Eric Garcia into a permanent right-back role, shifting the tactical structure of the defensive unit. This transition has forced Kounde to compete for minutes in central defense, where Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Andreas Christensen have secured leading roles. Kounde has logged only 20 minutes across the club’s first two league fixtures. While the team is not actively pushing for a transfer, the club remains open to entertaining offers for the French defender before the window closes. The situation marks a significant change in status for a player previously considered a mainstay in the starting lineup.

• 11:10 AMYahoo Sports — Barcelona defender facing tough fight as Hansi Flick makes major decision