Kounde says Barcelona contract extension ready to be signed next week

Jules Kounde has agreed to extend his contract with Barcelona until 2030 and will formally put pen to paper when the Blaugrana return from their tour of Asia next week.

Kounde is currently with Hansi Flick's squad for a tour of Japan and South Korea, coming off the bench in a 3-1 victory over Vissel Kobe on Sunday.

The LaLiga champions will play further friendlies against FC Seoul and Daegu before returning to Catalonia next week, ahead of facing Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

Kounde played a key role as Flick's team won LaLiga, the Supercopa de Espana and the Copa del Rey last season, netting an extra-time winner against Real Madrid in the final of the latter tournament.

Only Raphinha (4,661), Pedri (4,643) and Lamine Yamal (4,548) played more minutes for Barca across all competitions than Kounde (4,423) in 2024-25.

The France international made 53 appearances in total, with his 50 starts only bettered by the same trio of Blaugrana team-mates (Pedri 56, Raphinha 53 and Yamal 51).

Kounde's contract with the Catalan giants was initially due to expire in 2027, but he will commit his future to the club for the next five years after agreeing fresh terms.

"It is all ready for me to renew until 2030 when we return to Barcelona, it is all finished," Kounde told reporters, as quoted by Cope. 

"It was all done quite fast, and it is a matter of days now, and I'm very happy at the club."

Kounde arrived at Barca from Sevilla in 2022 and has made 141 appearances for them across all competitions, at least 22 more than any other Blaugrana defender in that time (Alejandro Balde is second with 119).

Barca begin their LaLiga title defence at Real Mallorca on August 16, with their first three games being away from home while the renovation of Camp Nou is completed.