Jules Koundé under threat: competition in France and transfer risk

As the 2026‑2027 season starts differently, Jules Koundé, former Bordeaux player, has already played 47 matches with FC Barça and 14 with the French, but only counts three games out of eight with his club and two out of four with the national side.

Competition in the French national team

Under the guidance of the new manager Zinédine Zidane, Koundé must prove that he remains the first‑choice right‑back. He faces Pierre Kalulu directly, who is given the opportunity to stand out during training sessions.

Uncertainty at Barça

At FC Barça, Eric Garcia has been tried on the right, casting doubt over Koundé's position. According to the Catalan media outlet El Nacional, Hansi Flick is looking for a full‑back with a more offensive profile, capable of fully occupying the right flank, which does not match Koundé's defensive specialty.

El Nacional also cites Koundé's inconsistency and certain ball‑control errors that have eroded the technical staff's confidence, a observation that could apply equally to the club and the national team.

In the event of a substantial offer, for example €70 million, FC Barça would be ready to part with Jules Koundé. His envisaged successor has already been identified: Pedro Porro, a very offensive right‑back of La Roja, world champion.

Porro, scorer of a goal against the French in the World Cup semi‑final, already shares an established chemistry with Lamine Yamal in the national team, strengthening the threat to Koundé's spot both at club level and in the national side.

Even though he wears the vice‑captain armband for the French, as he did against Belgium, his status could be called into question if his role at Barça were to disappear.

Jules Koundé's situation illustrates the fragility of a player who, despite an impressive match load last season, now has to face increased competition and a possible departure that would upheave his international future.