Jules Koundé's future at FC Barcelona looks promising as his contract is set to expire in 2027, with ongoing discussions to extend it until 2030. The talented right-back is regarded as a cornerstone of the squad by both manager Deco and assistant coach Flick, who see him as an integral part of the team's plans for the years to come. However, the technical department has identified the pressing need to secure a reliable backup to help manage Koundé’s workload and mitigate the risk of burnout.
Koundé has been under immense pressure this season, likely playing the most minutes of any player in Europe. He clocked in an impressive 3,541 minutes for Barcelona out of a possible 3,870, coupled with 664 minutes for France during international duties from a possible 750 minutes. In total, that adds up to an astounding 4,205 minutes on the pitch this season alone. Although Deco and Flick are unwavering in their belief in Koundé’s abilities and starting position, they acknowledge that a rotation strategy is necessary to prevent excessive wear and tear on the young athlete.
The immediate question for the club is who can adequately fill this role as Koundé's deputy. Current understudy Héctor Fort has not proven to be a serious competitor, leading to urgency in finding a more qualified substitute. Deco has reportedly engaged in negotiations with three prospective right-backs to join the team: Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu, Monaco’s Vanderson, and Almería’s Marc Pubill, each bringing their unique skills to the table.
Among these options, Ratiu appears to be the frontrunner. At 26 years old, the Romanian player has reportedly gone as far as looking for an apartment in Barcelona, indicating a strong interest in moving to the Catalan club. These negotiations are believed to be advanced, aligning with Flick’s preference for Ratiu to act as Koundé's reliable alternative.
While discussions with Ratiu are moving forward, Vanderson, just 23 years old, has also caught the club’s eye as a potential addition. The Brazilian international’s experience in Ligue 1 could provide the right mix of youth and skill that Barcelona is in search of. Additionally, 21-year-old Marc Pubill, a Catalan native currently playing for Almería, is another option being considered, but is seen more as a future investment than an immediate solution.
Another interesting option on the table is the return of Óscar Mingueza. With Barcelona retaining 50% of his rights, they can bring him back by matching any competitive offer presented to Celta, where he currently plays. However, the lingering question is whether Mingueza fits into the club’s current vision. Despite some talks around his return, it seems the club has already moved on, with president Joan Laporta leaning toward capitalizing on possible future transfers rather than reintegrating Mingueza into the squad.
In summary, as Jules Koundé continues to excel as Barça's right-back, the club is smartly preparing for the future by searching for additional talent to help mitigate the extraordinary demands placed on him. While Ratiu currently stands as the favored candidate, alternatives in Vanderson and Pubill are part of the broader strategy aimed at securing a successful squad depth moving forward.
