How Barcelona will line up with Jules Kounde

Karan Tejwani

• Updated: 29 Jul 2022 08:07 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have reached a deal to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla, as they continue their busy summer transfer window.

The club have been looking to improve their defensive options, and after weeks of negotiations with Sevilla and competition from Chelsea, they have announced they have struck an agreement for a deal thought to be worth an initial €50 million.

The signing of Kounde will be in addition to Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, who they’ve already signed this year.

So, how will they line-up with the Frenchman in the squad?

Kounde should form excellent defensive partnership

In goal, Barcelona will continue with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, who has been so important for them over years and it’s hard to see him being replaced anytime soon.

Defence will be where Kounde will fit in, and he’ll be at centre-back forming a partnership of high potential with Ronald Aruajo.

The Uruguayan defender has been in top form over the last year, and is touted to be amongst Europe’s best in the coming years, so partnering him with Kounde is an exciting prospect.

At full-back, Sergino Dest should take up the right side while Jordi Alba will take the left, with Barcelona eager to strengthen both positions and add depth.

Barcelona have acquired Kessie on a free for midfield, while Frenkie de Jong could still be gone by the end of the window, but their midfield should have a youthful look.

There’s the experience of Sergio Busquests holding the trio, while Pedri and Gavi make up the rest of the midfield after the latter’s breakout last season.

Up front, Barcelona will accommodate their two big money signings as Raphinha takes up the right side, while Robert Lewandowski is the team’s primary number nine.

Ansu Fati will be on the left, with Ferran Torres and Ousmane Dembele to back them up as Barcelona possess an attacking line of excellent depth.

A lot could change for Xavi’s team come the end of the window, but even without any future additions, this is a team capable of challenging on multiple fronts over the course of the campaign.