Last season for Barça left a lot of data, but one of the most striking was that Jules Koundé ended up being the footballer with the most minutes. The Frenchman was one of the most used pieces by Hansi Flick, who, since his arrival on the Barça bench, fully trusted him.
Flick opted for a defensive line in which Koundé was always a starter when he was available. His solidity, speed, and ability to adapt to the right flank allowed him to earn the coach's complete trust. His physical endurance and commitment were also key for him to finish the season as the most active player on the team.
Total trust and lack of alternatives
Part of the reason why Koundé accumulated so many minutes was not only his great performance, but also the lack of strong alternatives. Hansi Flick didn't end up trusting his main replacement, Héctor Fort, who barely had any prominence during the season.
This led to an overload for the Frenchman, who, in several phases of the campaign, ended up showing signs of fatigue and eventually got injured. The coaching staff is aware that, to keep the team's competitive level, it's urgent to strengthen the right back position with a player who can alternate with Koundé. That's why the sporting management has activated a new target in the market.
Denzel Dumfries, the chosen one to strengthen the flank
After successfully closing the loan of Rashford to cover the left wing of the attack, Barça now has the goal of strengthening the right back. The name that is most liked in the Barça offices is the Dutch international Denzel Dumfries, from Inter de Milán.
Dumfries has been a regular in the Netherlands national team and in Inter's starting eleven in recent seasons. His ability to move up the flank, defend one-on-one, and join the attack like an extra winger makes him an attractive option for Barça. The operation doesn't seem simple, but it is viable if certain conditions are met.
A release clause that brings him closer
According to reports in Italy, Dumfries would be interested in leaving this summer in search of new challenges. In addition, he could have a release clause of around €25 million, an affordable figure for Barça if they manage to close a sale. The Barça club would already be exploring the operation and evaluating the options to go for him.
Dumfries's arrival would allow Flick to rotate Koundé more regularly and keep competitiveness at right back throughout the season. With Rashford already incorporated, the Dutchman could be the second major move of the Barça summer to complete a more balanced and deeper team.