Barcelona managed to pull one over on Chelsea in signing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde after the Premier League side seemed to be leading the race.
Chelsea had an agreement with Sevilla and reports coming out of England essentially had the deal as a given. But the Catalans came in late and managed to convince Kounde to be patient as they worked on negotiations with Sevilla.
In the end, it worked out in Barcelona’s favor.
In some of his first comments as a Barça player, the French defender explicitly stated why he ultimately chose Barcelona over Chelsea.
"“I am very proud and grateful for this opportunity,” Kounde said. “I am excited because I am joining a great club with a great team. I am looking forward to getting going with the team and giving my best. Sevilla are a great club as well, of course, but Barca represent the next step in my career at every level. I want to compete in all competitions and try to win as much as possible, that is why I am here.“The coach, Xavi, is one of the big reasons why I am here, too. I spoke with him several times. The way he spoke was captivating. We had some good conversations and we see football in the same way. Now it’s a question of coming into the team, settling in and giving my all to have as many minutes as possible and an important role in the side.”Source: ESPN"
Manager Xavi Hernandez played a vital role in Kounde’s arrival. As the player stated, their conversations and the way they see the game had an impact. It also doesn’t hurt that he is likely going to be a starter and partner Ronald Araujo.
Despite signing Andreas Christensen and still counting on Gerard Pique, there’s no argument that at this point, Kounde is simply a better defender.
Xavi had been adamant in wanting the club to sign Kounde whereas Chelsea took their time as they signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and were being linked with PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe. Being seen as an alternative and not as a priority may also have played a role.
In any case, Barcelona’s defense certainly got much stronger with the addition of Kounde. With him and Araujo both only 23, Barcelona have their center-back duo sorted for the foreseeable future.