Renewal or unexpected turn: Barça takes precautions with Jules Koundé

Everything indicates that Jules Koundé will be the next folder closed in the 'operation shield' of FC Barcelona. After finalizing the renewals of Pedri, Gavi, Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araujo, Gerard Martín, and Iñigo Martínez, the sports management has focused its efforts on the cases of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and the Frenchman, with whom they would even have a preliminary agreement to extend his contract.

The player's current contract expires in June 2027, but his renewal would tie him for three more seasons, until 2030, when he turns 31 years old. The defender will receive a small salary increase, moving to slightly higher earnings than he currently receives, so it will not have a negative impact on the club's salary mass.

There are still details to be defined, but the agreement is on track, although it would have to wait until summer to announce it because, right now, there is not enough salary space. This time margin keeps the fans on edge, as despite the player's desire to stay at the club, the reality is that, as of today, nothing is signed and the interest from teams like Chelsea in the Parisian could threaten his continuity in the Catalan city.

Barça has a clear 'plan B' for Koundé

For this reason, according to 'Mundo Deportivo', Barça is on the lookout for what may happen with Koundé's future. If nothing goes wrong from now until the end of the season and Jules renews his contract, the Catalans will look for a right-back with a cheaper profile in the market to act as the Frenchman's second option, with names like Andrei Ratiu, Marc Pubill, and Wesley as the main options.

However, if an unexpected turn of events occurs and the '23' blaugrana does not sign a new commitment (a highly unlikely scenario), the fans will seek to replace him with a 'TOP' player, with Jeremie Frimpong and Vanderson being the preferred candidates of the sports management.

Beyond all this, the truth is that the azulgrana entity has full confidence in securing Koundé's continuity in the coming weeks. At Can Barça, they are more than satisfied with the leap the defender has made this season, in which he has established himself as the best right-back in the world, while the Parisian is very happy with his present under Hansi Flick. However, the board has outlined its roadmap so that no situation catches them off guard.