This time final 12 months Jules Kounde was being praised as probably the greatest right-backs in Europe, as he got here off the again of a hat-trick of assists within the Champions League. But this season has been far tougher for the Frenchman, who has not appeared himself since an harm in late April.
Barcelona had till then been linked with a transfer for a right-back this previous summer season, however Director of Soccer Deco appeared to vary priorities at that time, as a substitute shifting for a ahead (Marcus Rashford) and a goalkeeper Joan Garcia (goalkeeper). Eric Garcia has change into the de facto various.
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Jules Kounde continues to wrestle
After beginning the overwhelming majority of matches final 12 months, this season Hansi Flick has rotated Kounde out extra typically. Though he , and has began the bulk once more he has been on the bench on three events. All through these appearances, Kounde has not appeared himself although, ceaselessly surpassed by opposition wingers, providing little in assault and like a lot of the Barcelona backline, troubled by the offside line. Even on France responsibility although in a snug win, he has are available in for extra criticism.
Barcelona linked with Premier League right-back
Notably, Barcelona have once more been linked with Crystal Palace right-back Daniel Munoz. The Colombian worldwide is regarded as obtainable for €30m, as per , and Chelsea are the opposite aspect which have notified his agent of curiosity by way of intermediaries. Munoz is beneath contract till 2028.
Daniel Munoz of Crystal Palace acknowledges the followers. (Picture through Matt McNulty/Getty Pictures)
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May Barcelona realistically make a transfer for Munoz?
Munoz does match the profile of participant that Barcelona would maybe search when it comes to skillset, however there are obstacles to a transfer. The first one being Munoz’s age: he’ll start subsequent season 30 years outdated, that means Barcelona are unlikely to take a position closely in him. Equally, Deco has made some extent of shifting the membership in direction of youthful signings the place doable.
with the membership too, that means that Barcelona will doubtless follow him as a right-back, or transfer him into central defence. The truth that Barcelona’s precedence is a quantity 9 for subsequent summer season, means the funds for a brand new right-back shall be slimmed down too.