Eric Garcia handed Barcelona right-back role as Kounde faces €60m exit

Jules Kounde has been informed he is no longer Barcelona’s first-choice right-back, with Hansi Flick handing the role to Eric Garcia ahead of the 2025-26 season, according to Catalunya Radio.

Garcia himself has confirmed that Flick told him he would play at full-back this season, cementing his status as the coach’s preferred option on the right side of defence. The development marks a significant change in the defensive hierarchy at the Camp Nou.

Kounde, who joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022, is expected to revert to his natural centre-back position. However, the report suggests he would not be guaranteed a starting role there either, at least initially, leaving him in an uncertain position within the squad.

Barcelona are also said to be open to selling Kounde if the right offer materialises. Earlier reports indicated the club would consider proposals of around €60 million for the France international, a figure that would represent a substantial return on a player who has been a consistent defensive presence since his arrival.

Kounde’s versatility — the ability to operate competently at both right-back and centre-back — has been one of his key assets at Barcelona. Should he remain at the club, that flexibility could still prove valuable to Flick across a long season with multiple competitions. But the reported willingness to entertain offers suggests the door is open for a departure before the transfer window closes.

Garcia’s elevation and Kounde’s potential exit would reshape Barcelona’s defensive options considerably, with Flick apparently prioritising the Spain international as his long-term solution at right-back.