Barcelona's Plan if Koundé Leaves
Iván Fresneda has emerged as one of the alternatives being monitored by Barcelona at right-back in case Jules Koundé eventually leaves, although the French defender remains under a long-term contract with the Catalan club.
Barcelona continues to monitor the transfer market in search of young players who could fit into the club's long-term sporting plans. One name that has resurfaced on the Catalan club's radar is Iván Fresneda, the Spanish right-back currently playing for Sporting CP.
According to SPORT, the 22-year-old is among the options being monitored by the sporting department led by Deco to strengthen the right side of the defense. It would not be the first time Fresneda has attracted interest from major European clubs, having already drawn attention during his time at Real Valladolid.
His development in Portugal continues to make the Spaniard an attractive option. Fresneda joined Sporting CP from Real Valladolid in 2023 and signed a contract through 2028 that included an €80 million release clause.
Since then, he has gained experience in Portuguese soccer as well as in European competitions. He remains part of Sporting CP's first team, where he has won two league titles and the Portuguese Cup.
Koundé's Future Could Determine Barcelona's Next Move
The reported interest in Fresneda comes amid questions that could emerge regarding the future of Jules Koundé, although there is one important detail: the Frenchman remains committed to Barcelona on a long-term deal.
In August 2025, Koundé officially extended his contract through June 2030. The club described him at the time as a fundamental part of its project and highlighted his development as a right-back after originally arriving as a center-back.
For that reason, a potential departure would not appear to be a simple operation. Koundé has become one of the most important players in Barcelona's defense, while his ability to play both centrally and at right-back provides the team with different tactical solutions.
Any move involving the French defender would depend on an offer capable of changing the current plans of both the club and the player. For now, there has been no official announcement from Barcelona indicating that Koundé is on the market.
Fresneda Fits Barcelona's Long-Term Strategy
Regardless of what happens with Koundé, Fresneda's profile fits a strategy Barcelona has followed in recent years: identifying young players with significant room for development before their market value increases considerably.
The Spaniard was born in 2004 and spent time in the youth systems of Real Madrid and Leganés before reaching professional soccer with Real Valladolid. His performances eventually earned him a move to Sporting CP, which signed him when he was only 18 years old.
His contract through 2028 puts the Portuguese club in a strong negotiating position. The €80 million release clause also reflects the importance Sporting CP placed on the defender when he arrived.
For now, Fresneda is a player to watch rather than a completed transfer. Barcelona is evaluating different scenarios for its squad, and Koundé's future could become one of the factors that determines whether the club's interest eventually develops into formal negotiations.
Barcelona Prepares Alternatives at Right-Back
- Iván Fresneda is among the right-backs being monitored by Barcelona's sporting department led by Deco, according to SPORT.
- Jules Koundé is under contract with Barcelona through 2030, meaning a potential departure would depend on a change in the plans of both the club and the player.
- Fresneda is under contract with Sporting CP through 2028 and has an €80 million release clause.
Jules Olivier Koundé
FC Barcelona
