Should Chelsea return for Jules Kounde amid Barcelona exit rumours?

James Shearman

• Updated: 8 Feb 2024 18:08 GMT
• 3 min read

Jules Kounde could already be coming to the end of his Barcelona career, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Kounde signed for Barca, instead of Chelsea, less than two seasons ago, but things have not gone to plan for the Frenchman.

Even though he started 46 La Liga games, and lifted the title last season, he is reportedly unhappy with the role that he has played.

The reason being is that he has often played on the right, rather than at the heart of the defence.

The likes of Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Inigo Martinez currently find themselves ahead of the 25-year-old in the centre-back pecking order.

As a result, the report suggests that Kounde could look to explore a move away from Camp Nou this summer, with Premier League clubs said to be interested.

One of those teams could be Chelsea, who missed out on the defender in 2022.

Should Chelsea return for Jules Kounde?

Chelsea's interest in Kounde should depend on what system they are intending to play next season.

Under Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues have stuck with a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 formation, which would not suit the Barcelona man too well.

At less than six feet tall, he is a relatively undersized centre-back, which the physicality of the Premier League could exploit.

However, if Pochettino, or his potential replacement, were to opt for five defenders, he would become a more sensible signing.

Having played as a right-back of late, while wanting to be a centre-back, occupying the right side of a back three is an obvious solution.

Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta, who was better known as a full-back, played that role to great effect in the 2016-17 title-winning campaign.

Plus, it would not be a case of building the team around Kounde, as many of the Blues squad, such as wing-backs Ben Chilwell and Malo Gusto, would suit the system perfectly.