Jules Kounde has emerged as a potential target for Chelsea ahead of the January 2027 transfer window. However, Barcelona’s current position could make any move difficult to complete.
The France international has reportedly attracted interest from the Premier League, with Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso among those said to admire the versatile defender.
Despite Kounde’s reduced role at Barcelona this season, reports from Spain indicate that neither the player nor Hansi Flick is currently considering a separation.
That could become an important factor in Chelsea’s pursuit as the January transfer window approaches.
Jules Kounde Has Lost His Starting Place at Barcelona
Kounde remains part of Barcelona’s squad, but his position in the team has changed this season.
The 27-year-old has made five appearances for Barcelona so far, with only one of those coming as a LaLiga starter.
He currently finds himself behind Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo in the competition for the right-back position.
The situation naturally creates questions about Kounde’s future, particularly with Chelsea reportedly monitoring his availability.
However, limited playing time does not necessarily mean Barcelona are ready to part ways with the defender.
Kounde still has an opportunity to fight his way back into Flick’s plans, while the player himself is reportedly determined to do exactly that.
Hansi Flick Does Not Want Kounde to Leave
According to Spanish journalist Juan Jesus, neither Flick nor Kounde is currently considering a departure.
Juan Jesus claimed that several Premier League clubs have shown interest in the defender, while also highlighting Xabi Alonso’s admiration for the player.
“Several clubs are very interested in Jules Kounde, especially from the Premier League. Xabi Alonso greatly admires the player. However, neither Hansi Flick nor Kounde himself are currently considering leaving,” Juan Jesus wrote on X on October 6, 2026.
The report suggests that Kounde understands his performances have not yet reached the level he expects from himself.
Rather than looking for a way out, he is reportedly focused on working harder and attempting to regain his place in the starting XI.
That stance could significantly affect Chelsea’s plans for January.
Flick is also reportedly still willing to give Kounde opportunities, despite the defender currently being behind Eric Garcia in the rotation.
Chelsea’s Interest in Kounde Has Returned
While Barcelona and Kounde are reportedly not considering an immediate separation, Chelsea’s interest provides another side to the story.
According to TEAMtalk, Xabi Alonso is interested in bringing Kounde to Stamford Bridge.
The player is also reportedly attracted to the possibility of working with Alonso at Chelsea.
There is already history between Kounde and Chelsea in the transfer market.
The London club reportedly targeted the defender in 2022, before Kounde ultimately chose to leave Sevilla and join Barcelona.
Now, several years later, Chelsea’s interest has reportedly returned.
The possibility of a January move could therefore depend on how Barcelona assess their defensive options and how Kounde’s role develops during the first part of the season.
Barcelona Could Consider a Sale in 2027
TEAMtalk has also reported a different possibility regarding Kounde’s longer-term future.
According to the report, Barcelona have indicated to Kounde’s camp that the club could attempt to sell him in 2027.
That does not necessarily mean a January transfer is guaranteed.
Instead, it suggests that Barcelona could be open to considering a future sale, while an earlier move would still depend on the circumstances surrounding the player and the club.
This creates an interesting situation for Chelsea.
The Blues may have to decide whether to pursue Kounde during the January window or wait until a potential summer transfer becomes more realistic.
Several factors could influence that decision:
- Kounde’s playing time at Barcelona.
- Flick’s plans for the defender.
- The player’s desire to regain a starting role.
- Chelsea’s requirements at right-back.
- Barcelona’s stance over a potential 2027 sale.
Kounde Could Become an Option for Chelsea’s Right-Back Position
Chelsea are reportedly considering additional options at right-back.
Kounde is among the players being considered, particularly as the club also evaluates Malo Gusto’s future.
That makes the French defender an interesting candidate for Alonso’s squad.
Kounde’s ability to play at right-back adds to his appeal, while his previous experience at Barcelona and Sevilla gives him considerable experience at the highest level.
However, Chelsea would still need to convince Barcelona to allow the transfer and potentially persuade Kounde to make the move.
At this stage, those conditions are far from certain.
January Transfer Could Depend on Kounde’s Next Step
The biggest question may ultimately be what Kounde does between now and January.
If he manages to regain a regular starting position under Flick, the prospect of leaving Barcelona could become less attractive.
On the other hand, if his limited playing time continues, Chelsea could have a stronger argument for making an approach.
For now, the reports present two different perspectives.
Juan Jesus says Kounde and Flick are not considering a separation, while TEAMtalk reports that Chelsea remain interested and Barcelona could consider selling the defender in 2027.
That leaves Kounde’s future open to further developments.
Chelsea may be watching closely, but Barcelona’s current position suggests the January 2027 transfer window will not necessarily provide a straightforward route for the Blues to sign the France international.
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