Barcelona Eye Iván Fresneda Move As PSG Put On High Alert Over Jules Koundé Future

The situation has taken a turn for Jules Koundé in the Catalan squad. The French international started on the bench in each of the last three La Liga fixtures against Levante, Racing Santander, and Sevilla. His last start dates back to September 9, 2026, in the Champions League clash against Feyenoord.

Recent tactical adjustments at FC Barcelona explain this drop in the rotation. Defender Éric García has moved ahead in the pecking order at right-back. Meanwhile, youngster Xavi Espart continues to pick up minutes on that flank. This tactical reshuffle leaves the former Bordeaux man in an unexpected substitute role.

This reduced role is causing genuine frustration for the defender, who recently agreed to a contract extension with FC Barcelona running until June 30, 2030. Questions over his long-term future could quickly emerge if this fringe status persists in the coming weeks.

The Blaugrana sporting hierarchy led by Deco is already planning a reshape of its defensive flanks. According to daily newspaper Sport, FC Barcelona are reigniting their pursuit of Spanish full-back Iván Fresneda, who currently plies his trade at Sporting CP. The Portuguese director is an admirer of the newly capped Spanish international, called up by Luis de la Fuente to cover for the injured Pedro Porro.

The Lisbon-based outfit remain well protected with their young talent under contract until June 2028, featuring an €80 million release clause. Sporting CP are also pushing to tie down their defender until 2031 alongside a pay rise. European rivals including Chelsea, Liverpool and AS Roma are keeping tabs on any developments in the race.

A formal swoop by the Catalan side for Iván Fresneda could pave the way for Jules Koundé to head through the exit door and revive interest from long-term suitors across upcoming transfer windows.

This situation reignites the interest of the Parisian recruitment department led by Luis Campos. Paris Saint-Germain are in the market for an elite, hybrid profile capable of operating with equal ease at centre-back and at right-back. Jules Koundé fits the rotation demands set by the Parisian coaching staff to perfection.

The capital club are not the only ones tracking this major opportunity, however. Bayern Munich and several top-tier English clubs are also keeping a close eye on the defensive developments in Catalonia. The transfer market for world-class, versatile defenders remains fiercely competitive across the continent.

The financial package will be the central talking point in any future negotiations. Bought for €50 million in July 2022 by FC Barcelona, Jules Koundé is currently valued at €60 million. A fee of €75 million could therefore be demanded to secure his services. For Paris Saint-Germain, the sporting upside is clear, but the deal will need to fit within the club’s financial framework.