Barcelona (Spain) center back Jules Kunde (24) could leave the club this summer. He’s not playing in his preferred position and is at odds with coach Xavi Hernandez (43-Spain). If he does leave, it will be just one year after joining the club.
Spanish media outlet ‘Relevo’ reported on June 24 (KST), “Kunde, who joined Barcelona last summer, has repeatedly expressed his discomfort at being forced to play right fullback to coach Xavi. However, the situation hasn’t changed and he will seriously consider a move if a transfer offer comes in.”
A true center back, Kunde has made 38 appearances in all competitions this season, 21 of them at right fullback. This is despite the fact that Barcelona have several options at center back, including Ronald Araujo (24), Andreas Christensen (27), and Erik Garcia (22).
According to reports, Kunde is considering parting ways after just one year at the club, as he expects the same situation to repeat itself next season, with Xavi refusing to honor his requests despite his discomfort this season. Indeed, Barcelona are prioritizing reinforcements at right-back this summer and are currently focused on filling the void left by the departure of Sergio Busquets, 34.
Of course, Kunde is unlikely to leave unconditionally in the upcoming summer transfer window. He has asked Barcelona to first listen to any transfer offers. After that, he plans to weigh his options and consider a move or a stay, so it’s possible that he’ll stay with the club.
Kunde is only 1.78 meters tall, which is small for a center back, but he has good basic athleticism. In particular, he is praised for his jumping, speed, and positioning. He has good footwork and is good at building up from the back.
After making his professional debut for Girondins de Bordeaux (France) in 2017, Kunde went on to play for Sevilla (Spain) before turning down an offer from Chelsea (England) to join his “dream club” Barcelona last summer. The transfer fee at the time was €62.5 million (approximately KRW 890 million). In June 2021, he was also called up to the French national team, where he has played 19 A matches 스포츠토토.