Jules Kounde Snubs Chelsea: Here Are the Alternatives at Centre-Back?
With Jules Kounde snubbing Chelsea for a move to Barcelona, Thomas Tuchel’s side have been linked with a number of alternatives to further bolster their defence this summer.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen made the switch from the Premier League to La Liga at the beginning of the transfer window after reaching the end of their respective contracts.
This consequently left Chelsea with a gaping hole at the centre of their backline, and Tuchel’s entourage was left seeking alternatives that provided the same experience and quality the former Chelsea pair provided.
The experience was quickly covered by the addition of 31-year-old Kalidou Koulibaly, who signed on a £34.5million deal from Napoli on July 16.
Jules Koundé to Barcelona, here we go! Verbal agreement now in place with Sevilla after the long saga and further negotiations today, waiting to get it signed soon. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2022
Jules Koundé agreed personal terms with Barça last weekend, contract ready. Xavi, key factor again. pic.twitter.com/eX2jeVPheF
Widely regarded as one of the most complete centre-backs across Europe, he provides technical ability on the ball and is able to maintain possession, build up attacks from the back, as well as provide an aerial threat – being 6ft1in.
He recently captained Senegal to the 2021 African Cup of Nations final against Egypt, in which they won the competition for the first time in their country’s history.
The Blues made their interest in Sevilla’s Kounde evident in recent weeks but faced competition from Barcelona for the 23-year-old’s signature.
Xavi’s side now appears to have convinced the Frenchman to join him at Camp Nou; personal terms are “fully agreed” with a fee reported to be over the £46m mark.