Chelsea reportedly sent scouts to watch versatile 25-year-old Barcelona defender Jules Kounde in action against Napoli.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on HITC, Jules Kounde is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are in the market for a right-footed centre-back heading into the summer transfer window. And they ran the rule over the 25-year-old versatile Barcelona defender in the UEFA Champions League clash with Napoli this week.
The Jules Kounde Story
Jules Kounde has given a good account of himself since joining Barcelona from Sevilla in July 2022. A native of Paris, the French international graduated from the Girondins Bordeaux youth division. But he rose in prominence during his stint with Sevilla, spending three years at the Andalusian club.
The 25-year-old has showcased his versatility since joining Barcelona, excelling as a right-back and a centre-back. While he prefers to play as a centre-back, he is as solid on the right flank. Kounde has turned out 72 times thus far for Barcelona, chipping in with three goals and nine assists.
But the Frenchman faces an uncertain future at FC Barcelona, with the Catalan club considering cashing in on him in the summer transfer window. With the never-ending financial issues heaping the pressure on Barcelona, they need to balance their books. Such a situation has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of many high-profile clubs, including Chelsea.
Chelsea Retain Kounde Interest
Chelsea considered signing Jules Kounde from Sevilla before he joined Barcelona. The continued interest in the 25-year-old versatile defender is understandable amid uncertainties surrounding Thiago Silva’s future. The Brazilian centre-back is in the twilight of his career and has entered the final six months of his Chelsea contract.
Recent reports have claimed that Silva will likely leave Chelsea in the summer transfer window. So, it behoves Chelsea to invest in a top-class centre-back, especially with Trevoh Chalobah facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. Kounde is thus a viable target for the Blues, with their scouts monitoring him in the UEFA Champions League clash with Napoli this week.
With Barcelona contemplating Kounde’s sale, a move to the Premier League might be the ideal next step for him. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea can beat the competition to the versatile Barcelona defender, with Manchester United also reportedly interested.
