Jules Kounde latest: Chelsea and Barcelona still fighting over Sevilla defender
Ben Jacobs
- 23 Jul 2022 10:25 CDT
- 3 min read
Chelsea or Barcelona? Which club will Sevilla defender Jules Kounde move to this summer? It’s been a quite incredible transfer saga that has accelerated in recent days and is drawing to a conclusion in a rapid and apparently ever-changing manner, as CBS reporter Ben Jacobs explains for FootballTransfers.
My understanding on Jules Kounde is that there has been an unexpected twist. Barcelona have U-turned from Friday morning but are yet to table an official bid. Chelsea felt the race was won on Friday. They still have a full agreement with Sevilla. Barca don't just yet.
Sevilla's position has always been Barcelona must formally bid fast and match Chelsea's offer. Barcelona believe they can bid €40-45 million and get closer to (not match) Chelsea's overall fee with add ons. It remains to be seen whether Sevilla accept this. Again, no formal offer has yet been made.
Barcelona had given up hope but Xavi pushed hard for a bid. Barca also always felt Kounde U-turning and travelling to Portugal to train with Sevilla bought them some time. As previously reported, this was not what Chelsea wanted.
Related articles
’Chelsea can do no more’
Situation right now, is that Chelsea have a deal with Sevilla awaiting only formalities and formal sign off. They've agreed preferential personal terms with Kounde. (Reminder: players can & do agree terms with multiple clubs). Chelsea can do no more. Yesterday they felt transfer was imminent.
Barcelona have finally responded, though, even if Sevilla deny active negotiations. The clubs have been in contact. Obviously if Barca now agree a fee, it will all then come down to player choice. That's where Barca feel they have advantage although Kounde is open to both moves.
The pursuit of Kounde has really been an incredible saga. With Raphinha, Barcelona made their hand pretty hand clear. The challenge was simply about agreeing terms with Leeds. But with Kounde, it's a whole new level of games, smokescreens and late U-turns.
Credit to Gerard Romero for being first to report Barca's 'hijack'. He's right that things at Barca changed in past few hours. But no Barca deal with Sevilla is done just yet. I am sure you're all sick of hearing it this... but a big 24 hours ahead. That's the reality as of now.
