Barcelona have kicked off their pre-season with a clear agenda under Hansi Flick: finalise internal matters before competitive football returns.
As the club’s financial situation remains tightly managed, securing the futures of key players has become a central focus for Deco and his sporting department.
With Flick now overseeing training sessions and assessing the squad first-hand, Barcelona are wasting no time in reinforcing their long-term vision.
The early signs are promising, with new additions Joan Garcia and Roony Bardghji already bedding in well, and fringe players being evaluated for potential exits.
At the same time, contract talks with senior squad members are gaining momentum — and one name at the centre of those discussions is Jules Kounde.
According to SPORT, Deco held a face-to-face meeting with Koundé’s agent, Jonathan Kebe, on the very first day of pre-season.
The informal yet strategic talk was the fourth between the two parties in recent months, showing that Barcelona are serious about extending and improving the French defender’s deal.
Jules Kounde is currently tied to the club until June 2027, but Barcelona are keen to reward his growing importance in the squad with revised terms.
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The timing of the conversation — just as pre-season kicks off — suggests the club are keen to wrap up renewals before the 2025/26 campaign begins in earnest.
The message from the Catalan club is clear: Kounde is central to their long-term plans.
Despite the injury he picked up in the latter stage of last season, the 26-year-old’s versatility and consistency make him one of Flick’s most trusted assets.
Despite slow progress in negotiations, there is said to be optimism on both sides that a new deal will eventually be agreed.
As Barcelona prepare for their pre-season tour, locking down key players like Kounde is part of a broader plan to stabilise the squad and avoid uncertainty during a crucial transition under new leadership.
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