Barcelona ready to sell Koundé for €70m to sign Pedro Porro

Jules Koundé could leave FC Barcelona this winter or next summer: according to El Nacional, the Catalan club would be ready to accept an offer around €70 million for its French international right-back.

After a full 2023-24 season — 47 matches with Barça, 14 with France — Koundé has had far less impact at the start of this campaign, starting just three of eight matches with his club. El Nacional explains that Hansi Flick is looking for a different profile, capable of widening play and fully occupying the right flank, where Koundé is primarily seen as a solid defender. “His inconsistency and certain passing errors have ended up eroding the confidence of the coaching staff,” writes the Catalan media.

The Pedro Porro lead is already being pushed as a priority. The Tottenham right-back, very attacking-minded, won the World Cup with Spain and has an established understanding with Lamine Yamal in the national team. He notably scored a goal against France in the World Cup semi-final, which must not have gone unnoticed at Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Barcelona has tested Eric Garcia in the right flank, without this solution seeming convincing long-term.

The situation in the France team adds extra pressure. Under Zinédine Zidane, Koundé is no longer untouchable: he is now in direct competition with Pierre Kalulu for the right-back position, with the new manager having shown his desire to conduct tests during recent international breaks. Koundé did finish the match against Belgium wearing the vice-captain’s armband, but his status as undisputed starter may belong to the past. If his place were to weaken durably at club level, his role with the Blues could suffer.