Barcelona’s remarkable start to 2026/27 has been overshadowed by Jules Kounde’s loss of form, with Chelsea reportedly among the Premier League clubs considering a move for the France international.
Barcelona have won their opening eight matches in all competitions this season, setting a club record that was not achieved by the sides managed by Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola or Luis Enrique. They are now among Europe’s strongest teams, a significant turnaround from the COVID era, when Hansi Flick’s Bayern Munich beat them 8-2 in the Champions League.
Lamine Yamal has become increasingly influential, while Raphinha has impressed as captain. The Brazilian has also successfully filled in as a makeshift centre-forward following Ferran Torres’ sale, Robert Lewandowski’s departure and Barcelona’s failure to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
Those developments have given Flick plenty to be positive about since taking charge. Kounde’s continued struggles, however, have been a notable exception.
The 27-year-old has completed only one LaLiga match this season, against Rayo Vallecano, and one Champions League game, against Feyenoord. He played only 10 minutes across the first two league fixtures and has remained an unused substitute in the subsequent three.
Once an automatic selection at either right-back or centre-back, Kounde is currently not Barcelona’s first choice in either position. Reports in Spain claim Chelsea and several other Premier League clubs are considering a transfer, while Barcelona appear willing to listen to offers.
Kounde has acknowledged that his performances have fallen below his usual level.
“It is a decision by my coach. I feel very good physically. I don't have any injury. If I have less playing time, it is due to being well below my usual standards,” he said.
“It is a consequence and a challenge that I accept gladly. I will have to work, which is what I normally do. It is up to me to recover my best feelings. I know that when I am in my best condition, I will have playing time.”
Since the start of last season, Kounde has made 52 appearances for Barcelona but started only 41 of them, being substituted in seven. His 3,248 passes are more than all but three players in the squad, and his 91.87% accuracy is among the team’s best.
His output in the final third has been less convincing. Operating mainly at right-back, he has completed just 18 crosses since the beginning of 2025/26, while 39 have failed to find a team-mate. Barcelona expect their full-backs to provide quality deliveries when they reach the byline.
Alejandro Balde has faced similar problems on the left and is currently behind right-footed left-back Joao Cancelo.
Kounde has won 50 of his 78 tackles, a success rate of 64.1%, and made 106 clearances. Yet he has repeatedly been beaten for pace down the right and shares the squad’s highest number of errors leading to an opposition goal.
Opponents have retained possession 38 times when he has attempted to dispossess them, with only Fermin Lopez and Pedri recording worse figures. His seven yellow cards since the start of 2025/26 are the joint third-highest total in the Barcelona squad.
Although Kounde has attempted 379 duels, the fourth-most at the club, and won 206, his overall performances have not consistently reached the required standard. Chelsea and other interested clubs therefore face a player with considerable qualities, but also much to prove.