Jules Kounde explains Chelsea transfer snub after finally signing for Barcelona from Sevilla
JULES KOUNDE has explained why he snubbed Chelsea after finally signing for Barcelona.
The defender’s transfer saga appears to be at an end as the Catalan club agreed a deal in principle with Sevilla last night.
Kounde had been a long-term target for the Blues who are still looking to patch up their defence.
But the 23-year-old has revealed that it was the manager Xavi who helped him make up his mind to commit to the Nou Camp.
He told the club’s media: “The coach Xavi is one of the great reasons why I’m here. I’ve spoken to him several times and the way he spoke was captivating.
“We had some good conversations, we see football in the same way.
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“Now it’s a question of coming into the team, doing my best and getting as many minutes as possible.”
Kounde arrived at Sevilla in 2019 from Bordeaux and is noted for his speed, ability to read the game and talent in passing from the back.
The defender says the move is the right “next step” in his career.
He added: “I’m very proud and thankful for this opportunity. I’m very excited because I’m arriving at a great club and a great team.
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“I’m really looking forward to playing with the team and getting to know my teammates. Sevilla is a great club, but Barca are the next step in my career at every level.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with the team and getting to know my teammates. Sevilla is a great club, but Barca are the next step in my career at every level.”
The signing represents the latest summer splurge from Barcelona, despite the financial issues they have been wrestling with.
Chelsea were also beaten to the signing of Raphinha by the La Liga club as the Leeds winger opted for Spain.
And the Blues were blighted again by their Spanish rivals who swooped in to take Andreas Christensen.
Then Barca went one step further by securing the superstar striker Robert Lewandowski.