Former Chelsea and Uruguay midfielder Gus Poyet have revealed that French international Jules Kounde will suit Barcelona-style of play more than that of Chelsea.
The 23-year-old French international had been on the radar of Chelsea since last summer. The blues were close to signing Jules Kounde but the deal broke down because Chelsea failed to meet Seville’s asking price of £ 80 million.
Chelsea intense their pursuit of the French International this summer again but had strong competition from Barcelona. The blues had agreed on a £ 60 million transfer with Seville but couldn’t convince Jules Kounde.
Barcelona was able to convince the French international after Barcelona coach Xavi had phoned Kounde. The Catalans are set expected to officially announce Jules Kounde by the close of the week.
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The blues had been keen to strengthen their defense since the departure of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger. Jules Kounde is the only player Chelsea had missed out on this summer. Barcelona snatched Raphinha from their hands after agreeing on transfer fees with Leeds.
Chelsea were also close to signing Matthijs de Ligt. There were negotiations with Juventus but the deal was hijacked by Bayern Munich who signed the Dutch international for £80 million.
However, Chelsea has signed Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly this summer.
What did Gus Poyet say about Jules Kounde joining Barcelona?
The former Chelsea midfielder told SPORT, saying: “Barcelona’s style suits him perfectly. At Barça, there is always a lot of ground behind the defense but Jules is very powerful and quick to correct if necessary.
“Xavi wants center-backs who are daring with the ball, who can break lines. I asked him to join the midfield to create problems for the opposition and this is what he does.”
Gus Poyet said when asked if Jules Kounde is ready to join a big club like Barcelona: “Yes, without a doubt.
“At the age of 19, he made his debut in a club with a long history like Bordeaux. And he manages to get a place on the team.
“He develops under all the coaches and then at Sevilla he has shown a great level. He has proven himself in a club that had been competing for great things and has excelled, won titles, and consolidated.
“Also, he is at a perfect age. He is a player who always seeks to improve, he is asked to do specific jobs. With his work and his performance he showed that he deserved to play.”
Chelsea had made Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana and Leipzig Josko Gvardiol as the alternative for missing on Jules Kounde.
Thomas Tuchel had already hinted that Chelsea’s major priority in the summer is to strengthen their defense. Chelsea is also rumored to be interested in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The blues currently has one striker in their squad that is Armando Broja. There are rumors linking him to a move to West Ham. Napoli had placed a price tag of £80 million on the Nigerian international.
