Barcelona defender Jules Koundé has decided to turn down a potential move to Bayern Munich this summer, according to reports from Spain.
Barcelona Star Jules Kounde Ready to Reject Bayern Munich Interest
The German champions have identified the French international as their top defensive target for the upcoming transfer window.
Bayern’s sporting directors view Koundé as the perfect addition to Vincent Kompany’s squad for next season.
German outlet BILD first reported Bayern’s interest in the 27-year-old. Spanish publication Diario Sport has since confirmed that the Bavarian club has already contacted Kounde’s representatives.
Bayern officials admire Kounde’s versatility across the backline. The former Sevilla star can play as a right-back or centre-back with equal quality.
His technical ability and defensive awareness have impressed the Bundesliga giants.
Despite Bayern’s advances, Kounde remains committed to Barcelona. The Frenchman’s priority is to continue his career at the Camp Nou.
Sport reports that Bayern have asked about Koundé’s contractual situation and his willingness to move. However, those close to the player insist he does not want to leave Barcelona this summer.
The defender feels settled in Catalonia and sees his future with the Spanish champions. He has no intention of changing scenery despite interest from one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Barcelona consider Kounde an important part of their project going forward. The club values his performances on both sides of the ball.
Koundé has shown his quality consistently since joining from Sevilla. His fine displays for France at recent international tournaments have only increased his reputation.
Barcelona will likely resist any attempt to prise him away from the club. They view him as a key player for the coming seasons.
Bayern must now look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements. Koundé’s decision appears final, and he wants to stay at Barcelona.
The Catalan club will be relieved to keep hold of their versatile defender. With Koundé committed to the cause, Barcelona can focus on other transfer business this summer.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a positive update on Raphinha’s fitness, revealing that the Barcelona winger could feature in Monday’s World Cup last-16 tie against Norway.
Raphinha Could Return for Brazil’s World Cup Clash Against Norway, Says Ancelotti
The 29-year-old suffered an injury during Brazil’s group stage match against Haiti and has been sidelined since then.
Initial reports suggested Raphinha would miss the crucial knockout fixture, but Ancelotti has now confirmed the player is making excellent progress in his recovery.
“Raphinha is progressing very well,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“He’s not 100% yet, but he could be available on the bench and play a few minutes or be useful in some moments.”
The Brazilian coach expressed his satisfaction with the winger’s rapid recovery, emphasising the player’s importance to the national team setup.
“He recovered very well and very quickly. We’re happy about that because Raphinha is very important to the team.”
Brazil face Norway in New Jersey on Monday, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Raphinha’s potential return would provide a significant boost to the Selecao’s attacking options, especially given the high stakes of the knockout stage.
The Barcelona star has been a key figure for Brazil throughout the tournament, bringing creativity and goal threat from the wide positions.
His absence against Haiti was noticeable, and his possible inclusion against Norway could prove decisive.
Ancelotti confirmed that Raphinha will travel with the squad and be named in the matchday squad, though he cautioned that the player is unlikely to start the game.
The coaching staff will assess his fitness closer to kick-off before deciding on the extent of his involvement.
“For us, it’s excellent news that Raphinha has recovered so quickly from what looked like a more serious injury,” added the Italian manager.
“Having someone of his quality available, even for a few minutes, can change a game.”
Brazil will need all their attacking firepower against a resilient Norway side that topped their group.
The match promises to be a stern test for Ancelotti’s men, and Raphinha’s potential return could provide the spark needed to secure progression to the last eight.
Kick-off in New Jersey is scheduled for Monday evening, with Raphinha’s fitness likely to be one of the major talking points leading up to the game.
Barcelona will cover a staggering €15 million of Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s wages next season to facilitate his departure, as the club continues its desperate fight to balance the books and register new signings.
Barcelona to Pay €15m to Offload Veteran Goalkeeper Ter Stegen
The Catalan giants have made the difficult decision to move on from their long-serving captain.
Despite signing a contract extension until 2028 just two years ago, the emergence of new signing Joan Garcia has rendered the 34-year-old German shot-stopper surplus to requirements.
Barcelona have been actively seeking a buyer for some time, and they now appear to have found a temporary solution.
Ter Stegen is set to join Dutch giants Ajax on a season-long loan for the upcoming campaign. However, the Eredivisie side is unwilling to cover the majority of his substantial salary.
According to MARCA, Barcelona will pay approximately €15 million of the veteran’s wages over the course of the season, which represents about 10-15% of his total annual earnings.
This marks the second time Ter Stegen will work under manager Michel Sanchez, having previously joined Girona on loan in January for the second half of last season.
That temporary spell ended in disappointment, however, as the keeper suffered an injury just weeks into his time at Montilivi. Barcelona now hope a fresh start in the Netherlands will prove more productive.
While the financial hit is significant, the move is a necessary evil for the Spanish champions.
Barcelona are still haunted by the burgeoning wage bill from the start of the decade, and offloading Ter Stegen frees up crucial space in their salary limit.
The club is working hard to get back within La Liga’s strict financial regulations this summer.
Barcelona will need to raise around €30 million to secure a deal for Anthony Gordon and register the winger.
The exit of their captain, even at the cost of €15m in covered wages, will help the club pursue several other sales before the transfer window closes.
Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen is on the verge of leaving the Spanish champions this summer, with Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam emerging as his likely destination.
Barcelona and Ajax finalise terms as Ter Stegen prepares for 1-Year loan
According to Spanish sports newspaper AS, the 34-year-old German goalkeeper is close to finalising a one-year loan move to the Eredivisie side.
All parties have reportedly reached an agreement, with the transfer now “almost closed”.
Ter Stegen’s departure comes after he lost his first-team spot at Barcelona following the arrival of Joan Garcia from local rivals Espanyol for €25 million last summer.
Manager Hansi Flick has made Garcia his undisputed number one, with Wojciech Szczesny serving as back-up.
The German shot-stopper currently sits behind both Garcia and Szczęsny in the pecking order, leaving him with no clear pathway back to regular first-team football.
The Barcelona captain spent the second half of last season on loan at Girona, hoping to gain match fitness ahead of the World Cup. However, a hamstring injury cut short that spell and dashed his tournament hopes.
A key factor in the Ajax move is the presence of manager Michel on the Dutch club’s bench.
The Spanish coach worked briefly with Ter Stegen during the goalkeeper’s loan stint at Girona earlier this year, and that existing relationship has proved crucial in pushing the operation forward.
Ter Stegen remains under contract with Barcelona until 2028, meaning the loan does not represent a permanent farewell.
However, it provides much-needed breathing room for the Catalan club, who have been looking to streamline their goalkeeper department.
Barcelona have already sold Inaki Pena to Panathinaikos for around €3 million and sent Diego Kochen on loan to Danish side Lyngby.
The financial side of the deal remains a sticking point. Ter Stegen is one of Barcelona’s highest earners, and Ajax’s participation in the Conference League next season has limited their financial flexibility.
The Dutch club are unlikely to take on his full salary package, meaning Barcelona may need to agree to a salary-sharing arrangement to facilitate the move.
Barcelona have officially approached Manchester City to explore a potential deal for young defensive talent Vitor Reis, according to Spanish reports.
Barcelona Make First Move to Sign Manchester City Defender Vitor Reis
The Catalan giants have identified the 20-year-old Brazilian as a prime target to strengthen their backline ahead of next season.
Barcelona’s interest comes as they seek both quality and depth in central defence following a challenging campaign.
Reis joined Manchester City from Palmeiras at the start of 2025 but spent the recent season on loan at Girona.
Despite Girona’s relegation from La Liga, the centre-back impressed with consistent performances throughout the campaign.
He featured in 38 matches across all competitions, accumulating over 3,200 minutes of playing time and contributing two goals.
The Brazilian possesses excellent pace, outstanding ball control, and strong technical qualities.
Barcelona believe these attributes make him an ideal fit for their tactical system, which requires ball-playing centre-backs with physical presence.
The defensive situation at Barcelona has become a pressing concern. The club failed to replace Inigo Martínez last summer, while Ronald Araújo has experienced a noticeable dip in form.
A new centre-back now ranks as a top priority for the Blaugrana hierarchy.
Barcelona have already made initial contact with Manchester City to gauge their plans for the young defender.
The Spanish club intend to use Deco’s strong relationship with City’s sporting director Hugo Viana to facilitate negotiations.
The Catalan outfit are pursuing a loan arrangement with an option to buy. This structure would allow them to address their immediate defensive needs while managing their financial constraints.
However, securing Reis will prove challenging. Manchester City have clear plans to reintegrate the Brazilian into their first-team squad next season. This approach remains unchanged despite Pep Guardiola’s expected departure from the club.
The incoming Manchester City manager will ultimately have the final say on Reis’s future.
Barcelona continue to push for the deal, but they face an uphill battle in convincing City to part with one of their most promising defensive assets.
For now, the Spanish club remain hopeful that their proactive approach and strong relationships with City’s leadership could open the door to a successful negotiation.
Pep Guardiola has thrown his weight behind a potential Barcelona move for Bernardo Silva, describing the Portuguese playmaker as simply “too good” to fail at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Pep Guardiola Endorses Barcelona Move for Midfielder – “He’s Too Good”
The former Manchester City manager, who left the Etihad at the end of the 2025-26 season, worked with Silva for nine years.
His endorsement arrives as Barcelona prepare to return to La Liga’s 1:1 rule, a financial framework that will ease new signings for Hansi Flick’s squad.
“Bernardo would adapt to any team,” Guardiola told reporters. “He’s too good.”
Barcelona have already added Anthony Gordon to compete in attack. Now, they turn their attention to midfield.
The expected departure of Marc Casado, who does not feature in Flick’s plans, will free up space.
The club wants experience alongside Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi. Bernardo Silva fits that profile perfectly.
Silva becomes a free agent next month when his Manchester City contract expires. Barcelona had hoped to secure his signature before the 2026 World Cup kicks off next weekend.
However, the 31-year-old will not make a decision until after Portugal’s involvement in the tournament ends.
Guardiola also praised Barcelona’s recent resurgence under Flick. The German coach has delivered back-to-back La Liga titles in his first two seasons at the helm.
“They have had two extraordinary years, beyond the results,” Guardiola said.
“How well they have done and how attractive it is to watch them play. I’m a big fan of Hansi, how he does it and has done it for many years.”
With Silva’s experience and Guardiola’s ringing endorsement, Barcelona appear confident of landing their midfield target.
Fans at the Spotify Camp Nou will hope the Portuguese star chooses Catalonia once his World Cup duties conclude.
Highest paid Barcelona players 2026 – which players are most paid in Barcelona?
Who are the highest paid Barcelona players? Who is the highest paid Barcelona player per week? Who gets paid the most in Barcelona 2026?
Barcelona are one of the highest paying teams in the world. Their wages are astronomical but not all of the players are paid the same. Some are paid better than others. Here we look at the highest paid and thus most valued players by Barcelona.
Players like Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski are all on high wages but who are the top five highest paid Barcelona players? Well we have the answer. Here, we will look at the highest paid football players at Barcelona.Watch & Bet on Football =>
Top 10 Highest paid Barcelona players – who is the highest paid Barcelona player per week?
Here are the highest paid Barcelona players? Here is the list with all Barcelona players that earn the most and more than €100,000 per week.
Top 5 Highest paid Barcelona players – who are the 5 highest paid players in Barcelona?
Which are the highest paid Barcelona players? Who are the top 5 highest paid Barcelona players? Here you can read more about the five highest paid Barcelona players. Watch & Bet on Football =>
5. Jules Kounde is one of highest paid Barcelona players
Jules Kounde salary at Barcelona is €300,577 per week
Rounding out the top five, Jules Kounde earns €300,577 per week on a contract expiring June 2030.
The French defender arrived as a right-footed centre-back but willingly shifted to right-back and became one of the world’s best in that role.
Kounde combines recovery pace, one-on-one mastery, and intelligent positional play. He also progresses the ball smoothly and overlaps with purpose. His wage reflects elite defensive reliability and tactical sacrifice.
For Barcelona, he is the defensive rock who enables attacking stars to shine without fear.
4. Lamine Yamal is one of highest paid Barcelona players
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Lamine Yamal salary at Barcelona is €320,577 per week
Still a teenager, Lamine Yamal already commands €320,577 weekly – a staggering figure for a player born in 2007.
His contract locks him to Camp Nou until June 2031, making him Barcelona’s future franchise piece.
The electrifying winger toys with full-backs using feather-light touches, sudden bursts, and audacious nutmegs. His decision-making in the final third belies his age.
This wage is a bet on generational stardom and so far, Yamal has repaid every euro with jaw-dropping highlights and a Euro title with Spain. Barcelona are paying for the next decade’s Ballon d’Or contender.
3. Raphinha is the third highest paid Barcelona player
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Raphinha salary at Barcelona is €320,577 per week
Raphinha shares the third-tier wage of €320,577 weekly, tied with Yamal, and his contract expires June 2028.
The Brazilian winger transformed from a scruffy dribbler into a surprisingly complete attacker under flick and beyond.
He now delivers end product consistently cutting inside for curled finishes, crossing early, and pressing like a terrier. Raphinha’s work rate and big-game temperament have silenced early critics.
His salary acknowledges not just talent but also leadership and availability. He rarely misses matches and often delivers in Champions League nights. For this money, Barcelona got a fighter who grew into a star.
2. Frenkie de Jong is the second highest paid Barcelona player
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Frenkie de Jong salary at Barcelona is €365,385 per week
Frenkie de Jong collects €365,385 per week on a deal running until June 2029, Barcelona’s longest commitment among top earners.
The Dutch midfielder is the team’s metronome: gliding past pressure, recycling possession intelligently, and progressing the ball through tight spaces.
His salary reflects his status as a post-Messi era cornerstone. De Jong often drops between centre-backs to orchestrate build-up, then surges forward with sudden dribbles.
1. Robert Lewandowski is highest paid Barcelona player
Robert Lewandowski salary at Barcelona is €400,577 per week
At the summit of Barcelona’s wage structure sits Robert Lewandowski, banking €400,577 weekly.
The Polish goal-machine, whose contract expires in June 2026, remains a ruthless penalty-box predator even in his mid-thirties. His movement, hold-up play, and one-touch finishing are textbook perfection.
Despite his age, Lewandowski consistently delivers 25-plus goal seasons, making him the club’s most reliable source of firepower.
Barcelona pay this premium for immediate title-winning punch rather than long-term potential.
As his deal winds down, every euro justifies itself whenever he peels off a defender and buries another chance.
Barcelona attacking midfielder Dani Olmo is on the verge of signing for Arsenal, according to a new report.
Dani Olmo Set to Join Arsenal in Summer Transfer Window
The Spain international looks likely to leave Camp Nou this summer and move to the Premier League, where he would work under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.
Journalist Enric Canyellas broke the news on X, stating that Olmo is close to agreeing a deal with the north London club.
“Dani Olmo close to signing with Arsenal,”Canyellas wrote on June 1. “Right now, he has a good chance of leaving.”
Canyellas admits he does not want the 27-year-old to depart Barcelona. However, the expected arrival of Bernardo Silva and Barcelona’s deep midfield options make Olmo’s exit more likely.
Arsenal enter the transfer market with momentum. The club secured the Premier League title in the 2025/26 season and also reached the Champions League final.
Arsenal Manager Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta now want to strengthen the attacking department, particularly the left wing.
Olmo joined Barcelona from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2024 for €60 million (£52m). He remains under contract with the Spanish champions until 2030.
During his time at Barca, the attacking midfielder has scored 20 goals and provided 17 assists in 88 matches across all competitions. He can play as a left winger, right winger or central midfielder.
However, conflicting reports suggest Barcelona want to keep Olmo. Spanish publication MD claims the player will receive a contract extension this summer.
The report states that Olmo reduced his initial salary to help Barcelona with Financial Fair Play rules, and the club plans to reward him with a higher wage.
Olmo recently expressed his love for Barcelona, calling the season “historic” after winning back-to-back league titles.
Whether that loyalty will keep him at Camp Nou remains uncertain as Arsenal push for his signature.
Few years in the wilderness, Barcelona has gradually but surely regained their position as the top team in Spain during the last two seasons. Alongside their consecutive La Liga victories, they have also had some excellent Champions League appearances.
The Catalan team has made it to the quarterfinals and semifinals in the two seasons under Hansi Flick. This has left them in a very good position to qualify for the 2029 Club World Cup, even though the ultimate ambition of returning the trophy to Camp Nou has not yet been realized.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid represented Spain in the 2025 Club World Cup, which Barcelona was not able to participate in due to poor Champions League results from 2021 to 2024. Barcelona last participated in the competition in 2015, following their Champions League victory in 2014–15. They defeated River Plate 3-0 in the final to win the event in Japan on that particular occasion.
Barcelona well placed for Club World Cup qualification
In the previous format, European teams could only compete in the Club World Cup if they won the Champions League. The competition was conducted annually. But before the 2025 edition, it was redesigned, increased to 32 teams, and set to take place once every four years.
Barcelona presently has 73 points, well ahead of Atletico’s 59 and Real Madrid’s 57. Under the new system, FIFA considers Champions League winners and UEFA standings across a four-year cycle. Barcelona has a significant advantage because only two Spanish teams are eligible to compete in the Club World Cup.
However, winning the Champions League in 2027 or 2028 would grant them a straight entry to the Club World Cup, which would also make their lives simpler.
The Catalan club will be eager to qualify for the 2029 edition, either by placing first among the Spanish clubs in the UEFA rankings or by going all the way and winning the Champions League in the upcoming seasons, as the tournament is expected to generate substantial revenue for the participating teams.
Barcelona have set their sights on Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie as they step up their search for a new left-sided centre-back this summer.
The Catalan club now actively explore whether a deal for the Ecuador international could become possible.
Barcelona eye Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie as left-sided defensive target
Reports from Daily Mail, Barcelona recently intensified their interest in the 24-year-old. They admire his left-footed profile, aggressive defending, and recovery pace.
Hincapie also offers valuable versatility, as he plays comfortably at both centre-back and left-back. That flexibility suits Barcelona’s system, which requires defenders who can build attacks from the back rather than just clear danger.
However, Barcelona face a major obstacle. Arsenal currently stand in pole position to sign Hincapie.
The Gunners already secured the defender on loan from Leverkusen for the 2025-26 season.
That loan deal includes a £45 million option to buy. If Arsenal activate that clause, Hincapie would sign a five-year contract at the Emirates.
Hincapie played a key role during Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign. He made 25 league appearances and gave Mikel Arteta reliable depth across the back line.
Arsenal have not publicly confirmed a permanent move yet, but their advantage remains clear. Unless the club decides against triggering the option, Barcelona may struggle to get involved properly.
Barcelona reportedly cooled their interest in Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, which pushed Hincapie into their conversations.
The Ecuadorian’s loan situation at Arsenal leaves a small window of uncertainty, and Barcelona watch closely for any opening.
But for Arsenal, the decision should be straightforward. Keeping a proven, left-footed defender who already fits their title-winning squad makes perfect sense.
For now, Hincapie remains a loan player at Arsenal, but the £45 million option gives the London club full control over his future. Barcelona can only hope for an unexpected twist.
