Kounde was 'sold to Chelsea' says Monchi

Cameron Smith

Updated: 29 Jul 2022 13:17 BST
3 min read

Jules Kounde, Sevilla, 2021-22 — © ProShots

Jules Kounde had been "sold to Chelsea" before the Blues developed doubts over the signing according to Sevilla sporting director Monchi.

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Kounde, 23, was pursued by Chelsea for over a year, and after missing out on his signature last summer it had appeared as though a deal had been reached this time around.

However, Barcelona swooped for the Frenchman and convinced both the player and Sevilla to come to an agreement, with a deal between all parties now agreed in principle. Barcelona's bid could reach as high as €60 million with various add-ons.

According to reports, Thomas Tuchel was concerned by Kounde's height and how this may affect his performance in the Premier League, and this lapse ensured Barcelona were able to seal a deal, Monchi has revealed.

What has Monchi said?

Speaking to Sevilla TV about Kounde's sale, Monchi admitted: "Earlier in the summer, there were more clubs interested, but by last week the only club was Chelsea.

"Last Thursday, we had a verbal agreement with Chelsea, and Chelsea had an agreement with the player. The player was sold to Chelsea, it was all agreed.

"But then doubts appeared, not about the player’s quality, but about his profile, whether they preferred a different type of player. Barca only appeared for the first time at the weekend, the first time I spoke to Mateu Alemany [Barcelona's director of football] was on Monday.

"Chelsea wanted to come back, but Barca’s offer was higher, and the player now wanted to go there."

© ProShots - Chelsea missed out on Jules Kounde

Tuchel has taken on a more hands-on role with transfer dealings following Todd Boehly's takeover, with the German head coach involved in negotiations with players far more heavily than previously.

He has secured the signings of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City and Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, but still wants to add several more new faces.

Wesley Fofana, Benjamin Pavard and Milan Skriniar are all being pursued as alternatives to Kounde, while Nathan Ake and Matthijs de Ligt were hunted earlier in the window, and Presnel Kimpembe remains an option. The forward line is also still an area that Tuchel wants to be addressed.