As the Chelsea transfer story draws to a close, Xavi provides a vague Jules Kounde to Barcelona update
Announcing his club’s interest in acquiring defender Jules Kounde, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez said that an announcement would be made if and when the deal became “formal.”
The Catalan powerhouses have been vying with Chelsea for the services of the Sevilla center-back, and since last weekend, they seem to be the front-runners. While the Andalusians have been demanding a £55 million payment from Chelsea, Kounde might switch to Barcelona for less money if that is what he prefers.
Barcelona’s renewed interest has prevented any progress on the transaction, even if it is understood that the 23-year-old and Stamford Bridge have reached an agreement on personal terms for a five-year contract.
Xavi now conveys a cautious optimism about his team’s prospects of persuading Kounde to go.
‘Koundé? During Barcelona’s preseason tour of the United States, the Spaniard said in a press conference, “I feel horrible, but I still can’t say anything.” The club strives to advance and increase competition [in central defense] . We will announce any official information.
Barcelona has been one of the more active teams in this summer’s transfer market across Europe, bringing in all of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Franck Kessie, and Andreas Christensen despite being saddled with debts that are close to one billion euros.
These acquisitions cost the club over £92 million, whereas the sole sell they made was Philippe Coutinho to Aston Villa, which netted them only £18 million. Xavi claims that he is participating actively in the transfer process because players are ‘eager’ to join Barcelona.
He claimed, “I become involved [in transfers] because I want them to arrive. I discuss the club’s grandeur and the player’s future plans. Everything balances out. People are excited because we are Barça. Illusion, namely the illusion of rising to the top, is the word of the year.
This summer, Chelsea already acquired Kalidou Koulibaly, but they still need reinforcements after listing both Antonio Rudiger and Christensen as free agents. Cesar Azpilicueta, the club captain, has also been mentioned in connection with a move to the Nou Camp all summer long.