How Marcus Rashford’s signing delayed official renewal of Barcelona mainstay | OneFootball

According to Mundo Deportivo, Jules Kounde’s long-anticipated contract renewal with Barcelona was delayed not due to negotiations or doubts, but simply because of scheduling changes triggered by the arrival of Marcus Rashford.

The French defender had already reached a full agreement with the club for a new deal that would keep him at the club until 2030, but the official announcement and signing ceremony was put on hold.

The renewal was originally scheduled to be made public just before the start of Barcelona’s Asian tour. The club had planned a formal presentation with president Joan Laporta to mark the moment.

Everything was ready, but the finalisation of Rashford’s high-profile transfer forced a reshuffling of priorities. As a result, Kounde’s contract extension was postponed, despite being fully agreed and prepared.

Jules Kounde is untouchable

Kounde has remained a key figure for Hansi Flick. While the defender’s laid-back nature has occasionally tested Flick’s patience, his on-pitch performances continue to speak for themselves.

The coach may be frustrated by his lack of punctuality, but there is no doubting the value he places on the 26-year-old.

Jules Kounde is irreplaceable at Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Last season, Kounde made an impressive 53 appearances for the Blaugrana, underlining his importance in both central defence and as a makeshift right-back.

His consistency and commitment have made him indispensable in Flick’s setup, and the coaching staff, along with sporting director Deco, were eager to secure his future before he entered the final two years of his current deal.

Committed to Barcelona

Despite interest from several Premier League clubs, most notably Manchester City, Kounde has never shown a desire to leave.

He is said to be settled in Barcelona, feels a strong connection with the club, and believes in the project under Flick’s guidance.

The delay in the official announcement is merely a matter of timing. All signs point to Kounde putting pen to paper soon and continuing as one of the cornerstones of Barcelona’s backline for the next five years.