Despite securing another LaLiga title this season, Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick has acknowledged that the campaign was challenging, with several aspects not unfolding as planned. A significant factor was the prevalence of injuries, and in terms of on-field performance, the team struggled to reach the heights of the previous year.
The full-back positions were a particular area of concern for the Catalan club. On the left flank, Alejandro Balde’s form declined, and João Cancelo, who arrived on loan from Al-Hilal, eventually overtook him in the latter half of the season. On the right side, Jules Koundé endured a season-long struggle for form. In a pivotal match for the title race, Flick opted to start Éric García at right-back ahead of Koundé. Furthermore, there have been reports suggesting that Barcelona intends to deploy Koundé in this role next season.
Barcelona open to offers for Koundé
Coinciding with these developments is the understanding that Barcelona will entertain offers for both Koundé and Balde this summer as they aim to generate funds in the transfer market. However, Koundé’s representatives have indicated that he has no desire to leave, and he still has four years remaining on his current contract.
Barcelona line up €25m Koundé replacement
According to reports from Sport Mediaset, cited by Sport, Barcelona are closely monitoring the situation of Denzel Dumfries this summer. Chelsea and Liverpool are also reportedly tracking Dumfries, who could potentially be allowed to leave Inter Milan for a fee as low as €25 million.
The Catalan giants have been linked with the Dutch international on numerous occasions previously, and Inter Milan are also open to sales this summer. Dumfries was a crucial player in Inter’s Scudetto-winning campaign this season, making 28 appearances, scoring five goals, and providing two assists. The 30-year-old missed a portion of the season due to ankle surgery but was a prominent figure upon his return.
