Chelsea Keen to Sign Jules Kounde From Barcelona in January
- Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is open to a January transfer to Chelsea, according to a report from TEAMtalk.
- Barcelona have started the LaLiga season strongly, winning seven out of seven matches under Hansi Flick while scoring 31 goals and conceding seven.
- Chelsea are reviving their interest in Kounde after missing out on his signature in 2022.
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is open to a January transfer to Chelsea, according to a report from TEAMtalk. The 27-year-old France international has seen his playing time diminish under manager Hansi Flick, starting just one LaLiga match this season. Chelsea, managed by Xabi Alonso according to the report, are keen to explore a deal for defensive cover and potentially replace Malo Gusto at Stamford Bridge.
Jules Kounde Loses Regular Starting Spot Under Hansi Flick
Barcelona have started the LaLiga season strongly, winning seven out of seven matches under Hansi Flick while scoring 31 goals and conceding seven. Despite this dominant run, the squad’s depth has left several household names on the bench. Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are among the players struggling for regular minutes at the Camp Nou. Kounde, who has been named to three of the past five LaLiga teams of the season, has started only once in the league this campaign. He remained an unused substitute in each of Barcelona’s past three league fixtures. TEAMtalk reported that Flick has increasingly turned to Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo in defensive rotations, pushing Kounde down the pecking order.
Chelsea Resume Pursuit After 2022 Transfer Miss
Chelsea are reviving their interest in Kounde after missing out on his signature in 2022. The Blues previously fought Barcelona for the defender when he played for Sevilla, only for the Catalan club to secure the transfer. Transfer insider Graeme Bailey revealed that Kounde remains keen on moving to west London. Bailey explained the player’s stance in the TEAMtalk report.
We understand that Kounde is keen on a move to Chelsea – the club he came extremely close to joining before ultimately signing for Barcelona.
Graeme Bailey
Since arriving in Spain, Kounde has established himself as a leading right-back while also demonstrating the ability to play at centre-back.
Potential January Departure and Squad Impact
Barcelona have reportedly intimated to Kounde’s camp that the club plans to sell the defender by 2027, while a departure as early as January is also under discussion. With Barcelona open to a sale and the player receptive to the move, a deal during the winter transfer window is viewed as a distinct possibility. At Chelsea, incoming manager Xabi Alonso wants additional depth at right-back and views Kounde as an appealing option of high caliber. The club is also weighing the future of fellow France international Malo Gusto, positioning Kounde as a potential replacement at Stamford Bridge.