The future of Jules Kounde has become a subject of much discussion soon after his return to the Barcelona camp, after an extended summer break.
The right-back was a part of the French team that reached the semifinal in the World Cup. And as he gears up for the season ahead, he has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou.
However, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Kounde's exit is not on the anvil right now, despite the player being linked with a move to ****** nal lately. In fact, the defender may have a change of roles this coming season.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have 'accepted' that Kounde can operate as a centre-back in the coming season.
Kounde may have to play a more versatile role in defence this season. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

#Barcelona #back #coming

Jules Kounde is the latest of the Barcelona stars to have rejoined training this summer after their stint at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, soon after rejoining training, Kounde has been linked with an exit from Camp Nou, with ***** nal among the clubs reportedly interested in his services.
It appears Mikel Arteta is looking for a versatile defender to strengthen his backline this summer and Kounde has emerged as one of the ideal solutions.
What's in store for Kounde this summer? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
That being said, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that ***** nal have not made any concrete moves to sign Kounde.

#arsenal #jules #however #camp

According to Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is back at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
The French defender returned to the Catalan club's training facilities on Tuesday following his holiday, exactly as planned.
Kounde finished his participation in the World Cup one day earlier than the Spanish internationals after playing in the third-place playoff against England.
As a result, he was given one fewer day of vacation than the world champions and returned to Barcelona on Tuesday.
With the Frenchman's return, along with the early arrivals of Gavi, Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia, Hansi Flick is now only waiting for Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal to rejoin the squad.

#kounde

The decisive days of the transfer window are approaching, and FC Barcelona are entering a period of major movement.
The club's priorities remain the arrivals of Rodri, Julian Alvarez and Joao Cancelo, but departures are just as important as they look to create the salary-cap room needed to complete Deco and Hansi Flick's ambitious plans.
Ronald Araujo has already left, while Barcelona expect Marc Casado to depart for around €40 million in the coming days.
Another player who could leave if a sufficiently attractive offer arrives is Jules Kounde. The Frenchman has returned to pre-season training, but ****** nal are closely monitoring his situation, reports SPORT.
If Kounde signals that he is open to leaving, the London club would be prepared to make a move for a defender capable of operating both at centre-back and right-back.

#Barcelona #kounde #joao #deco

A trio of first-team stars at La Liga giants Barcelona on Sunday moved to reiterate their commitment to the cause with a view to the season ahead in Catalunya's capital.
This came through respective early returns to pre-season training.
The majority of Hansi Flick's squad have of course now reported to base at the Ciutat Esportiva to kickstart preparations for the 2026/27 campaign. The likes of Marc Bernal, Alejandro Balde and Wojciech Szczęsny, in fact, have been hard at work for a number of weeks already.
For those members of Barca's ranks to have advanced all the way to the semi-finals of this summer's World Cup, though, their comebacks were pencilled in for this coming Wednesday, August 12th.
This group includes the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Jules Koundé.

#hansi

Barcelona are set to make another signing as João Cancelo's permanent transfer from Al-Hilal will be completed in the coming days.
According to Diario SPORT, the deal is "imminent" as there has been a breakthrough in talks between Barça and the Saudi club this weekend and an agreement is expected to be reached for €10 million.
The Portuguese full-back was spotted training alone in Portugal this week instead of returning to the Al-Hilal squad after the World Cup, and reports from Saudi confirmed his absence was agreed with the club as his departure is finalized.
Cancelo's signing was considered a key piece of business for Barça this summer and a personal request from Hansi Flick, who thoroughly enjoyed working with Cancelo during his loan spell in the second half of last season.
Cancelo's arrival will trigger exits for younger full-backs, with Héctor Fort, Xavi Espart and Jofre Torrents all expected to leave on loan to get minutes elsewhere. Flick is planning next season's squad with Jules Kounde and Eric García at right-back and Cancelo sharing left-back duties with Alejandro Balde.

#hilal

England have the chance to take a giant stride towards immortality when they face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in their biggest match since winning the 1966 final at Wembley.
The Three Lions have reached two World Cup semi-finals in the six decades since then - at Italia '90 and then in Russia eight years ago - but this latest edition reignites an old rivalry, adding layers with history and controversial sub-plots.
England have lost the past two European Championship finals but, under the roof of the futuristic Atlanta Stadium, head coach Thomas Tuchel and his players have the chance to write themselves into legend by reaching the country's first men's World Cup final in 60 years.
The fact it was standing room only at Tuchel's pre-match media briefing, even though it was moved to a bigger venue, illustrates the scale of global interest in this chapter.
Wednesday's match (20:00 BST) is England's latest chance to finally reach another global showpiece - a barrier that has proved insurmountable since Sir Alf Ramsey's side lifted the Jules Rimet trophy in 1966.

England have the chance to take a giant stride towards immortality when they face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in their biggest match since winning the 1966 final at Wembley.
The Three Lions have reached two World Cup semi-finals in the six decades since then - at Italia '90 and then in Russia eight years ago - but this latest edition reignites an old rivalry, adding layers with history and controversial sub-plots.
England have lost the past two European Championship finals but, under the roof of the futuristic Atlanta Stadium, head coach Thomas Tuchel and his players have the chance to write themselves into legend by reaching the country's first men's World Cup final in 60 years.
The fact it was standing room only at Tuchel's pre-match media briefing, even though it was moved to a bigger venue, illustrates the scale of global interest in this chapter.
Wednesday's match (20:00 BST) is England's latest chance to finally reach another global showpiece - a barrier that has proved insurmountable since Sir Alf Ramsey's side lifted the Jules Rimet trophy in 1966.

There were some rumors swirling that Bayern Munich had interest in FC Barcelona star Jules Koundé, but it does not appear as if the right-back will be on the move:
Barcelona star Jules Koundé is ready to rebuff the advances of one of European football’s leading clubs in favour of staying put this summer.
This comes amid the understanding that the Frenchman has emerged as a leading transfer target on the part of those in a position of power at German champions Bayern Munich.
As first reported by BILD, and since confirmed by Diario Sport, the Bayern brass have identified Koundé as the ideal addition to Vincent Kompany’s defensive ranks with a view to next season.
As per a report from Sport:

England have the chance to take a giant stride towards immortality when they face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in their biggest match since winning the 1966 final at Wembley.
The Three Lions have reached two World Cup semi-finals in the six decades since then - at Italia '90 and then in Russia eight years ago - but this latest edition reignites an old rivalry, adding layers with history and controversial sub-plots.
England have lost the past two European Championship finals but, under the roof of the futuristic Atlanta Stadium, head coach Thomas Tuchel and his players have the chance to write themselves into legend by reaching the country's first men's World Cup final in 60 years.
The fact it was standing room only at Tuchel's pre-match media briefing, even though it was moved to a bigger venue, illustrates the scale of global interest in this chapter.
Wednesday's match (20:00 BST) is England's latest chance to finally reach another global showpiece - a barrier that has proved insurmountable since Sir Alf Ramsey's side lifted the Jules Rimet trophy in 1966.

Spain dominated France in Dallas to win 2-0 and reach their first World Cup final since 2010, and will face either England or Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday.
BBC Sport's Neil Johnston ******* ses how the players performed on Tuesday - and you can see how readers rated them at the bottom of the page too.
Mike Maignan: Guessed the right way for Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty but beaten for pace and power. Also guilty of some poor distribution. 5
Jules Kounde: Struggled at times with his passing. France have looked so solid at the back at this World Cup but they came undone in what some might say was their first serious test. 5
Dayot Upamecano: Has been huge for France in the USA and made a significant block to deny Fabian Ruiz at 1-0. However, it was all to no avail. 5

Bayern Munich have made initial enquiries about FC Barcelona star Jules Kounde, contacting the French defender’s representatives to ******* s his current situation and determine whether he would be open to a future move.
While reports in Germany had suggested interest from the Bavarians over the weekend, SPORT now confirms from sources close to the situation, the Bundesliga champions have recently sought information regarding Kounde’s contractual status and long-term intentions.
Although Kounde remains an important member of Hansi Flick’s squad, he is not considered untouchable.
After establishing himself as one of the world’s best right-backs last season, the French international has struggled to maintain the same level of consistency throughout the current campaign.
While he has continued to produce strong performances, Barcelona believe occasional lapses in concentration have proved costly in several matches.

As the beginnings of a Mexico City thunderstorm swirl high above, dark clouds circling like a slow-motion whirlpool, a pair of English fans do not give a jot.
It is three hours before Mexico face England in the most anticipated match at the Estadio Azteca in 40 years. Attendees are being warned to take cover as the police implement their electrical storm protocol. But these adults, merry on pure vibes, are engrossed in the most childlike of games: a chalk-drawn hopscotch on the gravel, outside the stadium's Cabecera Norte end, with 'Viva Mexico' at the top. And the locals, kids and adults alike, are loving it.
And when embarking on a lap of the outer perimeter of the World Cup's most iconic venue before the blockbuster last-16 occasion, similar feel-good scenes are at every corner. Event volunteers dressed in blue and green form a 'Limbo' dance opportunity for passers-by; half a dozen Mexican dance groups greet ticket holders to the south of the main entrance; Mexicans joust with English in gentle ribbing as they queue for entry into the arena.
It is an intoxicating, smile-inducing, dopamine-hitting environment. This is the essence of the biggest event in world sport: the amalgamation of different nationalities and cultures, old and young, male and female. All coalescing, with passion and fervour, in a setting completely irrational and illogical, if it were not for two national football teams going head-to-head.
This is the premise of founder Jules Rimet's vision when he formed the very first World Cup in 1930. In his words: "It's about bringing together countries from around the world, people who might otherwise have nothing in common… at least for a little while." And, mercifully, 96 years on in its 23rd edition, the tournament still fulfils this overarching ethos, despite all the factors working against those in the stands.

A member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has emerged as a headline summer transfer target on the part of German champions Bayern Munich.
This comes amid the understanding that the Bavarians are giving serious consideration to tabling an offer for Jules Koundé.
Stopper Koundé has for his part spent the summer to date providing any who may have forgotten with a reminder of his unquestionable talents.
Following an underwhelming campaign at club level with Barcelona, the 27-year-old has shone from his berth at right-back en route to France booking a spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
And Koundé's performances along the way have evidently not gone unnoticed on the part of those in the boardroom at the aforementioned Bayern Munich.

Three players from the Lackawanna League earned major awards when the Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches ******* ociation released its all-state team Monday.
Abbi Call of Valley View was named the Class 4A Player of the Year, Avary Brister from Abington Heights was selected the Class 5A Player of the Year, while teammate Adrianna Condrad was chosen Class 5A Pitcher of the Year.
Also, from the Wyoming Valley Conference, Lake-Lehman’s Hannah Chipego was tabbed as Class 3A Pitcher of the Year and Tunkhannock’s Michaela Howell as Class 4A Pitcher of the Year.
Overall, 41 players from District 2 were honored, including 28 from the Lackawanna League — 15 of them first-teamers.
Class 1A runner-up Holy Cross had five players: pitcher Ava Schmidt, catcher Peyton Graboske, second baseman Lila Kolcharno and outfielder Claire Helring on the first team, and shortstop Jules Galella on the second team. Old Forge put two players on the second team in shortstop Lillianna Lenceski and outfielder Ava Arnold.

Nicki Thiim enjoyed a perfect weekend at the Norisring in Nuremberg: After the Dane claimed Aston Martin's first-ever DTM victory on Saturday, he followed it up on Sunday. Starting from pole position, the Comtoyou driver controlled the second race as well and secured another triumph.
"I'm incredibly proud," Thiim says happily on ProSieben, as he also leads the overall standings. "That was always the dream, to have the name back at the top. I think the last time was in 1992 or something. That was the dream as a child." Father Kurt Thiim was runner-up in the DTM back then, after even winning the ****** le in the 1986 season.
"Incredible that I never thought I would someday be the overall DTM leader," adds the Aston Martin driver. "So I'm just speechless right now. I'm still living in this dream of the whole weekend. It's simply unbelievable."
Although winner Thiim had to defend himself several times during the race against HRT Ford youngster Finn Wiebelhaus, the 20-year-old found no way past despite several attacks and attempts. Lucas Auer (Landgraf-Mercedes) completes the podium in third.
Arjun Maini (HRT-Ford) finishes fourth, followed by Jules Gounon (Winward-Mercedes) and Thierry Vermeulen in the Emil-Frey-Ferrari. Previous overall DTM leader Maro Engel (Winward-Mercedes) has a difficult race, but still finishes seventh after starting twelfth and has to hand the championship lead to Thiim.

Even a change to the Balance of Performance (BoP) to the disadvantage of Aston Martin cannot stop Nicki Thiim on his favorite track: The Danish Comtoyou pilot secured pole position for Sunday's race at the Norisring after also topping the charts on Saturday. He achieved this despite running in Qualifying Group B, which was out earlier this time and faced less grip on the track.
"What a beautiful, holy Sunday to be standing here again," a delighted Thiim told German TV partner ran.de. He is the first driver since Thomas Preining at the 2023 season finale in Hockenheim to take two poles in one weekend. "I am still speechless."
The fact that his car has 15 kilograms more ballast on board than on Saturday due to the BoP change - and that he will carry an additional 20 kilograms of success ballast in the race - has not escaped him. "Now I will be the fat kid at school, of course," he said with a grin. "I hope the guys out there don't drive too fast."
Thiim clocked a 48.583 and was 0.111 seconds faster than HRT Ford rookie Finn Wiebelhaus, who was fastest in Group A with a 48.694 and starts from second place due to the slower group time. An investigation regarding the obstruction of Winward Mercedes pilot Jules Gounon resulted in no consequences for him.
Wiebelhaus' performance is remarkable, as he is competing for the first time in his career on the Norisring, which is extremely challenging due to its ******* ps. "I touched a few walls, slightly scratched the rear right - but that is how it has to be," the Ford youngster told ran.de, showing his satisfaction.

After France’s slender 1-0 win over Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Didier Deschamps said that he wouldn’t criticise the referee of the encounter, nor would he criticise the South American opposition.
He did nonetheless note that France received three yellow cards and, despite “lots of fouls against [them]”. Paraguay received none, but were strongly criticised for their aggression and antics throughout the game, with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart calling them a “disgrace” on the BBC broadcast of the fixture.
Matías Galarza was at the centre of a couple of contentious moments as he lashed out an arm at Kylian Mbappé and then, later in the game, Jules Koundé. Both incidents went unpunished, with not even a foul blown.
Ilgiz Tantashev, the Uzbek referee in charge of the game, has come in for considerable criticism for his management of the encounter, as Paraguay went unpunished. L’Équipe handed the referee a rare ‘1’ rating.
The publication stated, “The Uzbek referee incredibly allowed the Paraguayan’s aggressions to go completely unpunished and kept his cards for the France players. He got almost everything wrong.”

Barcelona’s efforts to restore financial stability this summer may require a significant sacrifice, and Jules Kounde has emerged as one of the players the club could consider selling.
According to SPORT, the French defender is available on the market for around €65 million, with Barcelona prepared to study offers if suitable proposals arrive.
The decision is linked directly to the club’s ongoing objective of complying with La Liga’s 1:1 rule, which remains a priority in order to sign a new player.
While departures such as Ansu Fati’s have already helped ease the wage bill, the feeling within the club is that another high-profile exit may still be required.
The Jules Kounde situation has gained attention at a time when Barcelona are actively searching for ways to improve their financial position.

France face Sweden on Tuesday at East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium for their 2026 FIFA World Cup last-32. After winning Group I with three consecutive wins against Senegal (3-1), Iraq (3-0) and Norway (4-1), Les Bleusare the overwhelming favourites against Graham Potter's side, although Adrien Rabiot is adamant his teammates won't let their guard down.
Didier Deschamps, who has returned to the France camp after attending his motehr's funeral on Friday, has announced that Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram will miss out. Fenerbahçe's N'Golo Kanté is also a doubt, but the pair was not expected to start anyway.
Compared to Friday's win, Deschamps is understood to make some changes. After being rested against Norway, ***** nal's William Saliba is set to get his spot back alongside Dayot Upamecano. Aston Villa's Lucas Digne is expected to get the nod ahead of Théo Hernandez, who conceded a penalty against Norway.
The left side of Frace's frightening attack is set to be tweaked too with the introduction of Bradley Barcola at the expense of Désiré Doué. Should they win against Sweden, Les Bleus will face Paraguay on July 4th.
Mike Maignan; Lucas Digne, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé; Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni; Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé; Kylian Mbappé. (L'Éq)

There are two big questions for France going into their FIFA World Cup opener against Senegal on Tuesday night.
The first pertains to who will start on the left wing. Marcus Thuram started there against the Ivory Coast in a World Cup warm-up, however, it was Désiré Doué who started against Northern Ireland. He struggled and there have been reports that Bradley Barcola may be preferred to his Paris Saint-Germain teammate. However, L’Équipe understands that it will be Doué who gets the nod.
With Michael Olise being pushed out to the right, Ousmane Dembélé will likely start in the No.10 role. The second question mark pertains to the fitness of William Saliba. The ****** nal defender continues to contend with a back injury but is expected to start for Les Bleus against Senegal.
Mike Maignan; Théo Hernandez, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé; Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni; Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise; Kylian Mbappé. (L’Éq)
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Barcelona’s summer transfer plans seem to firmly include signing defensive depth in the full-back positions.
The club have been linked with a move for versatile Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, who is said to be tempted by the possibility of joining the Catalan club.
Speculation is also rife about the futures of Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde, with the incumbent Barcelona full-backs linked with moves away from the club.
Barcelona admire Marco Palestra. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra remains a player admired by Barcelona’s sporting department.

After the high-profile signing of Anthony Gordon, Barcelona will be keen on shoring up their ranks in defence as well.
The club have been linked with quite a few options, particularly in the fullback area, with both Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde’s long-term futures at Camp Nou far from certain.
While Marc Cucurella has emerged as one of the top options, Barcelona have also been keeping an eye on Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus.
Cambiaso has been crucial for Juventus. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari has offered a fresh update on the future of Cambiaso, confirming that Barcelona are indeed tracking the Italian fullback.