Barcelona sporting director Deco held an informal meeting with Jonathan Kebe, the agent of Jules Kounde, as per Carlos Monfort of SPORT , as the club continue to assess the French defender's form and situation at the club.
The meeting was described as a routine discussion about the player's progress, with Kounde's representatives firmly denying that a potential sale or incoming offers were discussed.
Barcelona sporting director Deco met Kebe over a meal during the agent's stay in the Catalan capital.
The two exchanged views on Kounde's current situation, his role in the squad this season and his recovery from recent physical problems.
The meeting comes at a difficult moment for the France international, whose performances in recent months have reportedly raised questions within the club. After all, he has fallen behind Eric Garcia in the pecking order at right-back this season.
Kounde's prominence has taken a hit. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Kounde's fitness has also become a concern ahead of Sunday's El Clasico against Real Madrid. He suffered an ankle sprain during Barcelona's victory over Real Betis and subsequently missed the Champions League meeting with PSG.
Given the situation, there have been speculations about his future, with top clubs across Europe showing an interest .
Howver, Kounde's camp has stressed that the meeting was simply an opportunity to review the defender's progress. They have categorically denied that Barcelona communicated any intention to sell the player or that the pair discussed offers for his services.
Despite the denial from Kounde's representatives, the meeting comes against a backdrop of uncertainty over the defender's standing at Barcelona.
Sources close to the club acknowledge that his recent performances have prompted doubts internally. However, Barcelona continue to recognise his contributions since he joined the club and are not necessarily looking to force an exit.
Kounde is currently recovering from an injury. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
The Catalan giants would be prepared to assess a substantial offer if one arrived, provided it came close to the club's valuation of the player.
That position should not be confused with the purpose of the meeting itself. According to the report, Kounde's representatives maintain that his future in the transfer market was not discussed with Deco.
For now, the defender's immediate priority is to recover fully and return to Hansi Flick's plans.
With his place in the team potentially under greater scrutiny, getting back to his best form on the pitch will be crucial to easing concerns about his performances and reaffirming his importance to Barcelona.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.
