Barcelona supporters were eagerly anticipating the announcement of Jules Kounde’s contract renewal. After weeks of rumors and assurances, fans expected the club to formally seal the deal and lock down one of their most consistent defenders for the long term. But just as the stage was being set, something unexpected disrupted the timing — and that something was Marcus Rashford.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Kounde had already reached a full agreement with Barcelona to extend his contract until 2030. The paperwork was completed, the signing ceremony was planned, and president Joan Laporta was even scheduled to attend the official presentation. Everything was lined up for a public celebration of Kounde’s commitment to the club.
However, in a twist nobody saw coming, Barcelona’s audacious move for Marcus Rashford created a significant shift in internal planning. The unexpected nature and magnitude of the English forward’s potential arrival forced the club to quickly rearrange its priorities, pushing Kounde’s announcement temporarily to the background.
It’s important to stress that Kounde’s renewal has not been scrapped, nor has there been any breakdown in negotiations. The delay has nothing to do with disagreements over salary, contract length, or sporting guarantees. It’s purely a matter of logistics — with Rashford’s arrival grabbing all the spotlight, the club chose to hold back on Kounde’s news to avoid splitting focus.
Kounde, 26, remains a vital part of Hansi Flick’s squad. Last season, the Frenchman featured in 53 matches, adapting between his preferred centre-back position and the right-back role. His tactical versatility, physical presence, and calmness on the ball make him an indispensable asset — even if his timekeeping has occasionally tested the patience of the coaching staff.
Flick, who values structure and discipline, has reportedly spoken to Kounde about punctuality. Yet there’s been no fallout between the two. The German manager trusts Kounde’s ability and views him as a core player in the ongoing evolution of Barcelona’s defensive identity.
The club’s sporting director Deco is also said to be fully aligned with the plan to extend Kounde’s contract. With two years remaining on his current deal, Barcelona are eager to secure his future now, especially with lingering interest from Premier League clubs, notably Manchester City, who continue to monitor his situation.
Fortunately for Barça fans, Kounde is reportedly happy in Catalonia. He believes in the project under Flick and feels valued by the coaching staff and board. His comfort in the city, connection with teammates, and growing leadership in the dressing room are further signs that his long-term future lies at Camp Nou.
The delay, then, should be interpreted as a temporary media shuffle, not a warning sign. With Rashford’s possible arrival potentially reshaping Barcelona’s attacking force, the club is simply choosing when and how to control the narrative. It’s a strategic decision, not a contractual complication.
Jules Kounde is still set to extend his stay. And when the announcement finally comes, it will reaffirm the club’s vision of combining star power with stability. Rashford may have momentarily hijacked the headlines, but Kounde remains one of the foundational pillars of Barcelona’s next chapter.
In the end, both stories can coexist — Rashford’s rumored transfer and Kounde’s imminent extension. One brings glamour and headlines; the other brings assurance and continuity. Barcelona seem determined to balance both, even if that means keeping fans waiting just a little longer