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Barcelona defender Jules Koundé has acknowledged a "dip in his level" last season has left him in a justified fight for playing time this year.
Having largely been a regular starter in the Barcelona lineup since joining in the summer of 2022, Koundé's spot on the right side of the backline has been lost this season. He has started just once in La Liga and has sat unused on the bench across each of the club's last three matches.
"It's the manager's call," Koundé said. "I feel great physically, I have no injury.
"If I'm getting less game time, it's because of last season, which was well below my usual level. It's a consequence and a challenge that I'm happy to take on. I'll need to put in the work, which is what I always do. It's on me to find my best form again. I know that when I'm performing at my peak, I'll earn my place."
Unsurprisingly, Koundé's lack of minutes has sent the transfer rumor machine into full swing.
What Does the Future Hold for Jules Koundé at Barcelona?
Hansi Flick's Barcelona squad is brimming with versatile defensive options this season.
A deal was completed to sign João Cancelo permanently following his loan from Al Hilal, but it is Eric García, primarily a center back, who has dominated the minutes on the right side of Barcelona's defense so far.
19-year-old Xavi Espart has also been promoted from the youth setup to bolster Flick's squad. Espart is a natural right back but has been the regular starter at left back, though Cancelo started the two La Liga fixtures before the international break.
With right backs filling in at left back, center backs operating at right back, and left back Gerard Martín now a key figure in central defense, Flick has an abundance of options at the back and has assembled a squad full of trusted players, leaving little room for Koundé following a disappointing 2025–26 campaign.
The season is lengthy, but so is Flick's list of favored players. Koundé faces an uphill battle to climb back up the depth chart and, as expected, there has been considerable speculation surrounding his future at Camp Nou.
Could Jules Koundé Leave Barcelona?
Barcelona's financial situation is by no means as dire as it was a few years back, but La Liga's current leaders are still working with limited room to maneuver in the transfer market.
Often required to sell before bringing in new players, it could soon become difficult for Barcelona to justify keeping a valuable asset like Koundé warming the bench, and there would be no shortage of interested clubs if the Frenchman were officially made available.
That said, Koundé's next destination could well be shaped by his preferred position. He may have spent four years as a right back at Camp Nou, but he built his reputation as a center back, and numerous reports suggest he is eager to return to a central role. A move to a new club would give Koundé the opportunity to make that switch.
As a French international, Koundé would hold obvious appeal for Paris Saint-Germain, but the strongest interest is likely to emerge from the wealth of the Premier League.
Koundé's versatility would seem like a perfect fit for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, though the Gunners' inability to guarantee regular minutes at center back could prove to be a sticking point. Manchester City are another side who would value Koundé's qualities, but the uncertainty hanging over the club following their financial misconduct verdict could easily dampen their appeal in the transfer market.
Chelsea were pursuing Koundé's signature back in 2022 and believed they were close to finalizing a deal before Barcelona swooped in at the last moment. The Blues are expected to be in the market for a new defender over the coming year.
Manchester United would also likely have an interest in Koundé. While the Red Devils are well-covered at center back, uncertainty over Leny Yoro's long-term future at Old Trafford could create an opening for a replacement.