Latest news with #Kounde
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona key defender's renewal to be finalised after the summer window
Barcelona key defender's renewal to be finalised after the summer window Earlier today, reports emerged claiming that FC Barcelona had reached a verbal agreement with key defender Jules Kounde over a new contract. The 26-year-old right-back's current deal expires in 2027. Given his performances and importance in the team, the Blaugrana are keen on rewarding him with an extension – more so with some clubs in the Premier League showing interest in him. Talks on track, but no immediate renewal However, according to the latest update from Mundo Deportivo, Kounde's contract renewal will not be finalised and formalised this summer. Advertisement The report states that talks over an extension for the French international are on track and both parties are aligned towards reaching an agreement. However, the renewal will have to wait until after the summer transfer window as Barcelona currently have other priorities. New deal after the summer window. (Photo by) Indeed, the La Liga champions have more pressing matters on their hands such as the registration of new signing Joan Garcia and the activation of key target Nico Williams' €62 million release clause and his subsequent registration. For those things to happen, Barça need to free up salary space through the departure of players not in manager Hansi Flick's plans. Advertisement As such, Kounde's renewal is not seen as a priority task for the moment. However, given that both he and Barcelona are committed to continuing together, the intention is to finalise the renewal once the transfer window closes. Having joined from Sevilla in 2022, Kounde has grown into a permanent fixture in the Barcelona starting lineup. A renewal, whenever it happens, will be more than well-deserved for the Frenchman.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Injured Barcelona defender on track to return fully fit for pre-season
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is expected to return to full fitness in time for the club's pre-season preparations, which begin on July 13. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, it has been learned that the French international is recovering well from the hamstring injury he picked up on April 30 during the thrilling 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Advertisement Kounde's injury sidelined him for the rest of the season under Hansi Flick and also cost him a place in Didier Deschamps' France squad for the UEFA Nations League matches, where they faced Spain in the semi-final and then Germany for the third-place finish. However, recent updates suggest the 26-year-old is on course for a complete recovery, with no setbacks reported. Training hard despite being on holiday While enjoying a well-earned break in the United States, Kounde has been posting regular updates on social media showing his commitment to recovery. From running in public parks to working out on athletics tracks, he is making sure he returns in peak physical condition for the new campaign. Advertisement The injury, a distal hamstring issue in his left thigh, now appears to be healing well. Sources close to the club and the player believe there is no reason to worry about his availability when the squad reunites in July. Kounde's work ethic hasn't gone unnoticed either, as Barcelona manager Hansi Flick even joked during a press conference that resting the Frenchman is nearly impossible: 'Otherwise he will go running along the Sitges seafront.' Now a key figure at right-back, despite originally being a central defender, Kounde's dedication and versatility make him a vital part of Flick's plans going forward. With his recovery going smoothly, Barcelona fans can look forward to seeing him back in action for pre-season training and ready for a fresh start under the new manager.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Barcelona star Jules Kounde fires off another journalist takedown on social media
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has for the second time in a matter of weeks taken to social media to deny media speculation on the Frenchman. After Marc-Andre ter Stegen was the first to take Catalan media to task, Kounde has on two occasions now called out false reporting. Kounde traveled to Milan as a Barcelona fan last week, cheering on his teammates from the stands at the Giuseppe Meazza, as the Blaugrana came up heartbreakingly short. The Frenchman is nursing an injury from the first leg, and was also ruled out of El Clasico against Real Madrid. No doubt he was a keen participant in the celebrations though, as Barcelona all but wrapped up La Liga. Kounde denies Travis Scott party story Image via Oskar Montero / Diario AS American artist Travis Scott was in attendance at Montjuic for El Clasico, and was hyped up for the occasion as he witnessed a seven-goal thriller. Later on Sunday night, Scott performed at Opium nightclub near Barceloneta beach, an event a number of Blaugrana players were rumoured to be at. MD published that Kounde was one of six stars in attendance, including Pedri, Ferran Torres, Gavi, Marc Casado and Hector Fort. Yet Kounde took to social media to deny the story, saying 'Another lie… I wasn't anywhere close to this place. This is not journalism. Do better Roger Torello and Mundo Deportivo'. Perhaps not a fan of Opium. Previous incident related to Inter-Barcelona clash While he was in Milan, Kounde was alleged to have been overheard saying 'I don't why Lewandowski is playing, the way he is,' in reference to Robert Lewandowski's own recovery from injury. The Polish forward came just before the final whistle, and played extra time against Inter, and looked off the pace. Kounde said no such thing though, and called out Radio Catalunya journalist Laia Tudel for the same thing on social media.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"Wasn't anywhere close to this place" – Jules Kounde shuts down Travis Scott party rumours after El Clasico win
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has denied he went to an afterparty thrown by American rapper Travis Scott after the club's 3-0 win against Real Madrid in El Clásico. The win, in La Liga , represented a huge lift for Barca's season, but thoughts on the day were momentarily diverted from football to rumors concerning the team's celebrations, especially an alleged event that was attended by personalities and celebrities. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The rumours have been fuelled by Travis Scott's presence in Barcelona and sponsor Spotify, Barcelona's principal shirt sponsor. Barcelona played in a limited-edition jersey that included the 'Cactus Jack' logo — the symbol for Scott's label — leading to even further speculation that the rapper's visit involved private after-parties with some of the players. Jules Kounde clarifies his position on social media Following this, because of all the talk, Jules Kounde took to his X post to respond, writing: 'Another lie… I wasn't anywhere close to this place. This is not journalism. Do better.' His statement followed multiple reports that he was spotted at an exclusive party in Sant Adria de Besos – a municipality in Barcelona – where Scott is believed to have put on a more exclusive performance. Kounde's quick response is likely intended to stifle any narratives that would speculate his professionalism towards the club; he's not the type of player to refuse to be part of a team. While the party was also supposedly attended by former Barcelona legends Ronaldinho, Gerard Pique, and Carles Puyol, Kounde insisted he was not involved in the celebrations. It's not the first time players have had to navigate the sensationalized rumors of nightlife or night-after-news nightclub celebrations in the limelight. With Kounde, it feels important to deliver a message of concentration and dedication, especially with the season in its crucial last few weeks. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Focus returns to football and Barcelona's goals Barcelona are scrapping for a Champions League place and need to end the season as best as they can; they will require high-flying players such as Kounde to focus on them entirely. The French international, who has made 17 appearances in the league this season for the club, having arrived from Sevilla, has been a first-team regular at the back and remains a key man under head coach Xavi Hernandez. Situation aside, Kounde's response is a no-nonsense stance that fans and management grow tired of. And with important games coming thick and fast, the Frenchman has his mind firmly set on one thing: playing well and helping to achieve Barcelona's goals. Also Read:
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Injured Barcelona star fails to go incognito as he takes budget flight with fans to Champions League semi-final vs Inter
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN injured Barcelona star failed to keep their identity hidden as they took a commercial flight with fans. The first leg of the clash ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, but with Barca boss Hansi Flick left without a host of stars through injury the second leg at the San Siro. 3 Jules Kounde was spotted by fans on a commercial flight to Milan ahead of Barcelona vs Inter 3 Kounde suffered a distal hamstring injury in the first leg Credit: Rex However, one of these names made sure they would not miss the chance to support their team-mates, Jules Kounde. The Frenchman suffered a distal hamstring injury in the first leg of the clash against Inter, just days after he scored an extra-time winner in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. And ahead of his sides do-or-die semi-final match in Italy, Kounde caught a commercial flight from Barcelona to Milan alongside supporters to make sure he was present to watch on. Kounde attempted to keep his identity hidden by wearing a hood and sunglasses. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL RED IT AND WEEP Liverpool release blunt statement after Alexander-Arnold announces exit But his gambit failed as he was recognised by travelling Blaugrana supporters. He was greeted by cheers as he retrieved his bag from the overhead storage, to which he eventually responded with a wide smile and tapping his hand to his chest. In the absence of the 26-year-old, Flick selected former Manchester City defender Eric Garcia to play there. Before his injury, Kounde had missed just one game for Barca this season - when Flick left him out for the win over Mallorca before the Copa del Rey final. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He joined the club in 2022 in a €50m (£41.85m) deal from Sevilla. Despite predominantly playing at CB for his old club, he has mostly played right-back at Barcelona. Barcelona coach SMASHES IPAD in fury as he appeals for penalty in La Liga clash He has scored seven goals and added 18 assists in 141 games.
