Jules Kounde is now at Barcelona. (imago Images)
The saga surrounding Jules Kounde and Chelsea has finally come to an end with the Frenchman joining the La Liga side. Thomas Tuchel had been interested in the player for over a year, but he has chosen to join Barcelona.
Chelsea were said to have agreed terms with Sevilla for the player, but a last-minute swoop by Barcelona saw the Blues lose out on the player. Now the 23-year-old centre-back has explained his decision.
Speaking to the club’s media (h/t The Sun), Kounde has revealed that it was Barcelona coach Xavi that managed to convince him to join his side over Tuchel’s.
“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. 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.”
Missing out on such a good player is bound to hurt Chelsea fans. The player had been linked with the Blues throughout the summer, only for them to miss out on him at the last minute. But that is done and cannot be changed.
Tuchel has already shifted his focus elsewhere. Benjamin Pavard, Milan Skriniar and Joakim Maehle are said to be of interest to the west London outfit. All three players are exceptionally good and would be a fine signing for the club.
Chelsea are said to be willing to pay £42 million for Skriniar but face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for his signature. Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are also interested in Maehle with Atalanta said to be wanting £13 million for the player.
Pavard would be the best buy among the three with the right-back able to play in any position at the back. He is also open to joining the club and could leave should a serious offer arrive from the west London outfit. Tuchel has choices, but if he does not act fast, it could decrease.
It remains to be seen whom Tuchel signs. The club is currently preparing for their friendly against Udinese this Saturday. The fans will hope to see their potential eleven in action on the opening matchday of the next season on August 6th.
In a way, some of them would be relieved that at least the Kounde transfer saga is over. It dragged on for too long and hopefully, the Blues can shift their focus towards more meaningful targets.
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