Barcelona’s thrilling 3-2 Copa del Rey El Clásico victory over Real Madrid may have sparked joy on the pitch, but behind the scenes, serious tensions are brewing—centered around one of the club’s most dependable figures: Jules Koundé.
According to reports that emerged just hours after the dramatic win, Premier League giants Liverpool are prepared to table a massive €70 million (£60 million) offer to pry the versatile French defender away from Catalonia. Arsenal and Chelsea, two clubs closely monitoring Koundé for months, remain in hot pursuit as well.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Barcelona. With a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan looming, the last thing Hansi Flick’s squad needs is dressing room uncertainty. Yet, the possibility of losing Koundé—who has become a pillar both defensively and emotionally—is causing unrest.
Inside the dressing room, young star Lamine Yamal is said to be leading a group of players deeply concerned about the potential sale. For Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong, Koundé represents more than a teammate; he’s a symbol of consistency, leadership, and unity during Barcelona’s rebuilding era.
Koundé’s importance to Barcelona goes beyond his performances at right-back. He’s also a calming figure in a team often in transition, capable of anchoring the defense while initiating intelligent build-up play. Flick has made it clear that Koundé is central to his tactical plans, particularly when transitioning between back four and three-at-the-back formations.
The news of Liverpool’s formal interest reached the Barcelona dressing room shortly after their triumph over Real Madrid, creating a visible shift in morale. Some players reportedly confronted members of the board, questioning the timing of discussions and voicing fears that the sale of such a key figure could derail their momentum.
Behind the scenes, president Joan Laporta is in a delicate position. On one hand, the club is still grappling with financial constraints, making a €70 million offer hard to ignore. On the other, selling Koundé now risks fracturing a young, unified core that has just started to believe in itself again.
It’s not just Liverpool flexing financial muscle either. Arsenal have allegedly submitted an official inquiry, while Chelsea—always eager to secure elite defensive talent—have reignited their previous interest from last summer. With three Premier League powerhouses circling, the pressure on Barcelona’s board is immense.
Barcelona’s technical director Deco is understood to be in ongoing talks with Koundé’s representatives. The Catalan club is trying to preempt a sale by offering the 25-year-old a contract extension until 2030, coupled with a salary bump that reflects his rising influence at Camp Nou.
For his part, Koundé remains publicly committed to Barcelona. In recent interviews, he’s expressed his happiness with life in Spain and his desire to win major trophies in Blaugrana colors. However, sources close to the player admit he is flattered by Liverpool’s interest and is waiting to see whether the club can match his long-term ambitions.
Liverpool, under Jürgen Klopp’s successor Arne Slot, are undergoing a tactical shift. With Trent Alexander-Arnold now moving into midfield more frequently, a dynamic right-back like Koundé fits the new system perfectly. His defensive solidity and ability to join attacks suit the high-intensity style that Liverpool fans have come to expect.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are still searching for balance under Mauricio Pochettino. Despite having Reece James, the Blues believe Koundé could offer depth and reliability—particularly given James’ injury issues. Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is building a squad with tactical flexibility, and Koundé’s ability to play both centrally and wide in defense is a prized asset.
Lamine Yamal, who views Koundé as a mentor, was visibly upset during training, according to El Nacional. His frustration, echoed by others in the locker room, highlights just how integral Koundé is—not only tactically but emotionally—to the team’s chemistry.
Joan Laporta now finds himself at a crossroads. Accepting Liverpool’s offer could help balance the books and open room for other signings, but at what cost? With a Champions League final in sight and a generation of talent beginning to blossom, the wrong decision here could undo months of progress.
Sources close to the club suggest Laporta is leaning toward rejecting all bids for Koundé—at least until the end of the season. His goal is to avoid any major distractions that could sabotage Barcelona’s European ambitions, especially with the team finally regaining its swagger.
In the coming weeks, much will depend on Koundé’s stance. If he expresses a desire to explore Premier League options, Barcelona may be forced to sell. But if he renews and commits to Flick’s vision, it could be a turning point in their long-term project.
Until then, the anxiety inside the dressing room will remain. For Barcelona, Koundé’s future is more than just another transfer saga. It’s a litmus test of their ambition, unity, and direction as they strive to reclaim their seat at Europe’s top table.
Stay tuned, because whether he stays or goes, Jules Koundé’s next move could redefine not just Barcelona’s summer—but the balance of power between La Liga and the Premier League.
