Jules Kounde Adds to the Summer of FC Barcelona
Jules Kounde is the newest Barcelona player. The Catalan club agreed to a deal with Spanish rivals Sevilla for a deal worth over €50 million. The French defender will now form a solid partnership at center back with Ronald Araujo.
It would be an understatement to say it has been a summer to remember for FC Barcelona. Kounde joins a list including Raphinha, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Marcos Alonso, AND Robert Lewandowski. It’s a window that also includes re-signing upstart winger Ousmane Dembele. Despite their financial issues becoming public viewing, club legend and manager Xavi clearly set his sights on an overhaul of his squad.
The Polish hitman was always going to grab headlines in Spain. The addition of Sadio Mane cleared the way for Lewandowski to leave Bayern Munich. However, Kounde could be that under-the-radar signing that could pay off for years to come.
Feeling Blue This Summer?
The other team heavily linked to Kounde this summer was Chelsea FC. Under new ownership, the Blues have not been afraid to splash the cash thus far. On top of adding Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, Todd Boehly was hoping to make the Frenchman his third-ever signing as Chelsea owner. However, Kounde was more interested in remaining in Spain, making this saga yet another chapter to this hectic summer. Despite making some good signings, it’s hard not to feel a little discouraged if you’re a supporter of the Blues.
Barca and Chelsea have played tug of war over a number of players this summer. However, it is the Spaniards who have mostly emerged victorious. Chelsea was all after Kounde, Raphinha, Dembele, and Lewandowski. They all now play at Barcelona. The two clubs are now fighting over the services of veteran defender Cesar Azpilicueta, whose Chelsea contract ran out this summer. The Spanish defender could become the whopping third ex-Chelsea player to switch from Stamford Bridge to Camp Nou.
Blue Skies in Barcelona?
Barca fans should rightfully be excited about the upcoming season. With a much-improved squad and Champions League football ahead, the club might finally be able to put their financial woes behind them. However, that is far from guaranteed. The Barca squad has become severely bloated. There are up to three different starting attacks that Xavi could choose from. In terms of wingers, there is Dembele, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Ansu Fati. Memphis Depay and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are also experienced in playing wide.
As well, there are more players on bad contracts still around. Loaning out Clement Lenglet was good business, but Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic are still eating up wages. As well, there is the Frenkie de Jong anomaly. Making quality additions is great, but also maintaining a happy and motivated squad is key to success. The fans will love Xavi no matter what, but the tough work of his job is now starting to arrive. However, they should be thrilled with the addition of Kounde. He rounds off a starting 11 that could make a lot of noise this season.
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