The Reason Kounde Chose Barcelona and Rejected Chelsea’s Approach
Jules Kounde became one of Europe’s most wanted defenders after shining at Sevilla, where he won the 2019-20 Europa League and built a reputation for composure, strength, and intelligence. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.
In 2022, both Chelsea and Barcelona went head-to-head to sign him, creating one of the biggest transfer races of that summer. Chelsea pushed hard, but Barcelona ultimately secured the French defender, who quickly proved to be a key addition.
Since arriving, Kounde has helped Barcelona tighten their back line and win two La Liga titles, becoming an important part of the team’s domestic and European ambitions. His ability to play both centre-back and full-back added valuable flexibility to the squad. Despite Chelsea’s strong interest, Kounde felt Barcelona offered him a clearer footballing vision, one that aligned with his strengths and long-term ambitions.
Kounde Reveals Why He Said ‘Yes’ to Xavi
Kounde has now opened up about the real reason he chose Barcelona over Chelsea. He explained that his conversations with Xavi Hernández left a stronger impression than those with Thomas Tuchel. Kounde described their talks as natural and engaging, noting that his time with Xavi “flew by,” a sign that their football ideas matched perfectly.
He said he enjoyed discussing tactics with Xavi, who he admired as one of the best midfielders in history. Although Tuchel also made it clear that Chelsea wanted him, Kounde felt more connected to Barcelona’s project.
Another key factor was positioning Barcelona promised to use him mainly as a centre-back, while Chelsea intended to play him at full-back more often. Feeling understood and valued, Kounde made his choice. For him, Barcelona offered the combination he wanted: the right role, the right coach, and the right football philosophy.
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Manchester City’s Attempt and Barcelona’s Firm Stance
Kounde’s impressive first seasons at Barcelona caught the attention of Manchester City, who explored the idea of signing him in July. City had come off their most difficult season under Pep Guardiola, struggling defensively and finishing without a major trophy. Strengthening their back line became a priority, and Kounde emerged as a serious option.
However, Barcelona had no intention of letting him go. Sporting director Deco confirmed that City only asked about his availability, but the response was immediate: Kounde was not for sale. The defender later signed a contract extension until 2030, ending all speculation and signalling his long-term commitment to the club.
Kounde Thrives as Barcelona Push Forward
With his future secure, Kounde continues to play an important role in Barcelona’s campaign. The team recently returned to winning ways with a 4-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in their first game back at the renovated Camp Nou. Barcelona now sit close to the top of La Liga, just a point behind Real Madrid, and remain competitive in the Champions League group stage.
As Barcelona prepare for key matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Alavés, Kounde’s influence will be crucial. His decision to join Barcelona and stay there has shaped not only his career, but also the club’s defensive strength. For Kounde, choosing Xavi over Tuchel has paid off, proving that the right project matters just as much as the biggest offer. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.
