Jules Kounde has revealed how a phone call from Xavi Hernandez was decisive in his decision to join Barcelona ahead of frontrunners Chelsea this summer.
The Blues had interest in Kounde dating back over a year and were confident of securing a deal for the Frenchman this summer, with a verbal agreement in place – but the talented defender ultimately moved instead to the Camp Nou.
Chelsea instead went on to complete the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli in a £33.8million (€40m) deal while Kounde has established himself as an undisputed starter for his new side – even if he has often been deployed at right-back rather than in the heart of defence.
This was a summer of overhaul at both Chelsea and Barca, with the Blues adding Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana to their defensive ranks following the signing of Koulibaly, while the Catalan club signed Marcos Alonso and Andreas Christensen from Stamford Bridge.
Kounde has now explained that he believed that he would be leaving Sevilla this summer to move to West London, but a phone call from Xavi helped change his mind on what club would be the better option for the next step in his career.
Speaking to French media outlet L’Équipe, Kounde explained: “I was close to signing for Chelsea this summer. They were talking to me and Barcelona were interested too, but there were always doubts from them. The moment that changed the situation was the phone call from Xavi, I did not hesitate from there.”
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The defender was then quizzed if then Blues boss Thomas Tuchel had also been in contact directly with him over a transfer. Kounde confirmed that the German had phoned him but added that he “preferred” the sales pitch from Xavi and Barca, hence his move.
Kounde had said after joining Barca: “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. 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. Personally and in terms of football. I’m very excited and want to compete in every competition to win it. I will try and win as much as possible and that’s why I’m here.”
The Frenchman had added: “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. Now it’s a question of coming into the team, doing my best and getting as many minutes as possible.”
