Jules Kounde insists he will not leave Barcelona this summer

Jules Kounde has ended the speculation surrounding his future by revealing that he has no plans to leave Barcelona during this summer's transfer window.

The France international moved to Camp Nou from Sevilla last July, penning a five-year contract with the club, and he has been a vital player for the Catalan giants this season.

The 24-year-old has made 38 appearances at club level in 2022-23, providing one goal and six assists in the process, but there has recently been speculation surrounding his future.

Various reports have claimed that Kounde is unhappy with his position at Camp Nou, having largely operated as a right-back for the club this season.

The Frenchman had allegedly been keen to join a club where he would feature as a centre-back, but Barcelona boss Xavi recently played down the transfer speculation.

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Speaking after the 3-1 loss to Real Valladolid earlier this week, Xavi said that there was "no problem" with the defender, who has since been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Kounde has now taken to social media to deny claims that he is unhappy at Camp Nou and keen to seek pastures new during the upcoming market.

"To be 100% clear, I've never asked to leave Barcelona and I'm not gonna leave the club. I'm not going anywhere," the defender posted on his official Twitter account.

Barcelona are under pressure to make some big sales during this summer's transfer window due to their financial problems, but Kounde is seemingly not leaving despite the recent speculation.

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The Catalan outfit have already confirmed two exits, with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba both leaving Camp Nou on free transfers at the end of June.

Busquets will depart following the expiration of his deal, while the club have reached an agreement with Alba to terminate his contract, which had been due to run until the summer of 2024.

The futures of Raphinha, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres are also being called into question ahead of the summer market, with Barcelona keen to re-sign Lionel Messi on a free transfer.

Xavi has led Barcelona to two trophies this season, the Spanish Super Cup and the La Liga title, but the team again failed to make it out of the group stage of the Champions League.

The Catalan outfit have lost their two games against Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid since being confirmed as La Liga champions, and they will be bidding to return to winning ways when they host Mallorca on Sunday.