Jules Kounde Confirms New Barcelona Contract, ending Chelsea speculation

France and Barcelona defender Jules Kounde personally confirmed reports that he will extend his contract with Barcelona upon returning from the club's Asian tour.

The defender, whose contract expires in 2027, announced after training in Seoul on Wednesday. "Everything is ready for the renewal until 2030, when we return to Barcelona," Kounde stated.

The two sides began talks back in March, and the player was reportedly open to an agreement from the outset.

Negotiations concluded a few days ago, but the official signing will take place when the team returns to Barcelona next week. Despite this, Kounde has already announced the news.

"The club and I had the same idea – to continue together. I'm very happy; I feel good with the team and the ambition. I'm very grateful to be at a club that fights for every title each year. I had no intention of leaving," the French international said.

Regarding his position on the field, now firmly established as a right-back, Kounde joked: "Nothing is definitive in football," he said, laughing.

"I'm only 26 years old. I'm indeed playing as a full-back, and I hope to take a step forward this year. I'm always available to the coach; he knows I can play in both positions. I'll always feel more like a central defender because that's where I developed, but I'm happy," he explained.

Regarding Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Kounde declined to go into detail. "He's not with us at the moment, and it's not a topic we're discussing. We know it's a difficult situation for him as a teammate and a person. The captaincy issue isn't for me to decide; it's for the coach and what the club wants to do," he concluded.