Throughout the week, there have been constant rumors linking Jules Koundé with Liverpool. Various media outlets have fueled speculation, actually assuming for granted his departure from FC Barcelona. Some reports even indicate that Barcelona may already have a possible replacement: Sevilla's defender Patricio Baré. However, the situation seems to have changed.
Jules Koundé has already decided
Koundé has made a firm decision: he will not leave Barcelona, at least for one more season. Despite the rumors and tempting offers, he is clear about it. The French centre-back has opted to continue his career at Camp Nou.
The main reason is his comfort and prominence within the team, as well as his excellent form with the French national team. For Koundé, this is not the time to change teams, and he has made this clear to the club and those close to him.
The defender's firm stance also has implications for other players in the Barça squad, especially Ronald Araújo. In recent weeks, the Uruguayan centre-back's name has been linked with a possible exit, especially if Barça go ahead with the transfer of Jonathan Tah, a defender from Bayer Leverkusen. With Koundé's permanence practically assured, Araújo's situation becomes more uncertain.
FC Barcelona, which needs to generate income, could see Araújo as the perfect opportunity to balance the books. there's talk of a figure close to 50 million euros that the club could receive for his sale. The Uruguayan continues to be highly regarded in the market, and top-level teams in Europe are keeping an eye on his situation.
For Barcelona, Koundé's permanence is great news in sporting terms. The French centre-back has established himself as a key player in the blaugrana defense, both in his defensive ability and in bringing the ball out. In addition, his versatility allows him to play as a right-back, a position in which he has also performed outstandingly.
The transfer market is always unpredictable and Koundé has made it clear that he has no intention of moving. Despite this, the continuity of other players, such as Araújo, will depend on the moves that Barça make in the coming weeks. The arrival of a centre-back like Tah would force the Catalans to make difficult decisions, as the wage bill continues to skyrocket.
For now, the soap opera surrounding Koundé seems to have come to an end, but the consequences could fully affect other important names within the blaugrana defense.