Barcelona Secures Transfer of Jules Kounde from Sevilla
After days of intense negotiations and uncertainty, Barcelona has successfully reached an agreement with Sevilla for the highly sought-after defender Jules Kounde. According to Sport.es, Barcelona will pay $50 million for the French talent, with an additional $10 million potentially added in variables.
A Missed Opportunity for Chelsea
Earlier this week, it seemed that Kounde was destined for Chelsea. Manager Thomas Tuchel had identified him as the top target to bolster the Blues’ defense this summer. There were even discussions between Chelsea and their captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, regarding his potential move to Barcelona once Kounde’s transfer was finalized. However, the tables have turned, and Chelsea is likely to lose out on both Kounde and Azpilicueta, who has set his sights on joining Barcelona.
Chelsea had prepared a deal worth $65 million for Kounde, which would have been paid in multiple installments. In contrast, Barcelona will make a solitary payment of $50 million, with the possibility of an additional $10 million based on performance-related bonuses that all parties deem achievable.
Xavi Pivotal in Kounde’s Decision
Manager Xavi played a crucial role in Barcelona securing Kounde’s transfer. He maintained close communication with the player, advising him not to commit to Chelsea until he had heard from Barcelona. Media reports from Catalonia suggest that Kounde has already agreed to personal terms with Barcelona, signing a four-year contract.
Since his arrival from Bordeaux in 2019, Kounde, 23, has made 95 appearances in La Liga for Sevilla, scoring five goals. He has become a key figure in the team over the past three seasons and earned his debut for the French national team in 2021. Kounde has already amassed 11 caps for Les Bleus.
Barcelona’s Dominance in the Transfer Market
The acquisition of Kounde is another significant triumph for Barcelona, as they have outbid Chelsea for the defender’s services. This summer, the two clubs were engaged in a battle for two more players, with Barcelona prevailing in both cases. Danish defender Christensen joined the Catalan club on a free transfer from Stamford Bridge, while Raphinha chose Barcelona despite his former club, Leeds, agreeing to sell him to Chelsea.
Furthermore, Barcelona recently sold an additional 15% stake of their TV rights for La Liga to investment fund Sixth Street. This move has provided the club with the necessary funds to manage their debts and pursue further transfer targets.
It has also been reported that Barcelona is eyeing Athletic Bilbao’s Inigo Martinez as another potential addition to their squad. However, they are likely to wait for some players to depart before making a formal bid for the Spanish defender.
Conclusion
The successful acquisition of Jules Kounde marks a significant achievement for Barcelona in the transfer market. The Spanish club’s persistence and Xavi’s influence played crucial roles in securing the talented defender’s signature, despite stiff competition from Chelsea. With this signing and their prior triumphs, Barcelona has showcased their dominance and ability to attract top-tier players.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much did Barcelona pay for Jules Kounde?
Barcelona paid $50 million for the transfer of Jules Kounde from Sevilla, with an additional $10 million possible based on performance-related bonuses.
2. Was Chelsea interested in signing Jules Kounde?
Yes, Chelsea was actively pursuing the signing of Jules Kounde and had prepared a deal worth $65 million for the defender.
3. Why did Jules Kounde choose Barcelona over Chelsea?
Manager Xavi’s involvement and Barcelona’s allure likely played a significant role in Kounde’s decision to choose Barcelona over Chelsea.
4. Who else did Barcelona sign during this transfer window?
Barcelona secured the signings of Danish defender Christensen from Chelsea on a free transfer and Raphinha from Leeds, despite Chelsea’s initial interest in the latter.
5. What financial move did Barcelona make to strengthen their transfer budget?
Barcelona sold an additional 15% stake of their TV rights for La Liga to investment fund Sixth Street, providing them with the necessary funds to manage their financial obligations and pursue further transfers.
