Jules Koundé is set to be one of the next closed files in the 'operation shield' of FC Barcelona. The azulgrana entity expressed its desire to extend his contract beyond 2027, and the 26-year-old defender positively responded to the approaches from the sports management, as he wants to remain in the Catalan team and has no intention of moving.

The Parisian feels important in the team, where he is a key piece for Hansi Flick. The full-back is the only player in the squad to have participated in all 45 matches played this season and shows no signs of fatigue. In fact, after playing in both matches for France against Croatia during the international break, one of which even went to extra time, he was a starter against Osasuna and Girona, and in both he played the full 90 minutes.

For the coach, he is indisputable, and this confidence, combined with his role in the locker room, where he has a voice and is a protagonist, motivates his desire to extend his contract with Barça. According to 'Marca', several clubs, including Chelsea, have inquired about his signing, but have received a firm rejection from the player, whose only desire is to continue wearing the azulgrana jersey. Negotiations are advanced, and it is only a matter of time before the Frenchman signs his new contract.

Koundé, one step away from continuing to make history at Barça

Koundé has become the fifth Frenchman with the most matches in the history of the Catalan club. Since his arrival in the City of Barcelona in the summer of 2022, the Parisian has worn the azulgrana jersey on 133 occasions, surpassing Ludovic Giuly to close the 'top 5'. The forward, who defended the Barça shield between 2004 and 2008, ended his time at the club with 124 matches played, nine less than the '23' culé.

Now, the Parisian's sights are set on the other four Frenchmen who surpass him in the number of matches: Samuel Umtiti (134), Clément Lenglet (160), Ousmane Dembélé (185), and Éric Abidal (193). In fact, all signs point to Koundé jumping to the fourth position in the ranking of French players at the Catalan club next Wednesday in the return leg of the Copa semifinals against Atlético de Madrid, surpassing a 'Big Sam' who has 'only' played 1 match more than the right-back.

Jules' 133 matches at Barça are distributed across 93 in LaLiga, 21 in the Champions League, 11 in the Copa del Rey, six in the Supercopa de España, and two in the Europa League, with a record of 6 goals and 18 assists in 11,276 minutes played.

This season, specifically, has been his breakthrough in the first team, being the player with the most minutes played (3,721') and the only one who has participated in all 45 matches of Barça in all competitions. Additionally, he has celebrated 3 goals and provided 8 assists, establishing himself as the best right-back in the world.

📊Jules Koundé's statistics at FC Barcelona:

  1. Matches: 133 (93 in LaLiga | 11 in the Copa del Rey | 21 in the UEFA Champions League | 6 in the Supercopa de España | 2 in the Europa League) 
  2. Goals: 6
  3. Assists: 18
  4. Minutes played: 11,276
  5. Matches by position: 92 as right-back | 40 as center-back