Barca and Kounde reach agreement in principle for contract until 2030

According to reports, Barcelona and Jules Kounde have reached a preliminary agreement to keep the defender on the team until 2030, securing his services for an additional three seasons. 

As part of the new contract, the 26-year-old French international, who has been a vital member of Hansi Flick's team this season and has played among the most minutes, will get a small pay increase. 

Barcelona's strategy prioritises contract length over substantial salary increases, allowing the club to secure a crucial player while maintaining the financial stability that has been such a headache for the club.

Kounde has demonstrated his versatility by excelling in his switch from centre back to right back, forming a productive wing partnership with Lamine Yamal that is reminiscent of Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi.

Despite the agreement, the club's present wage constraints may cause the official announcement to be postponed until the summer. Kounde's significance to the team is demonstrated by his 43 appearances this season, where he has three goals and eight assists. 

Kounde's contract extension follows a series of renewals that further consolidate Barcelona's long-term squad planning. Kounde will remain at Barcelona until the age of 31, so the club's confidence in the defender underlines his growing influence and importance to their future ambitions.