Sevilla’s defender Jules Kounde made a decision on his new club. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the France international will play for Barcelona in 2022-23.
Despite its financial struggles, Barcelona will pay around €55 million to Sevilla in order to complete the move. Kounde has already reached contract terms with Barca and only some finer details are left to be resolved before the move gets officially announced.
Kounde also had an offer on the table from Chelsea, which was reportedly more generous when it comes to finances but decided to turn it down in favor of staying in Spain. The Premier League club tried to sign the 23-year-old player last season but was unwilling to pay Sevilla’s asking price of €80 million.
This is the second time Barcelona beats Chelsea for a player this transfer window. Chelsea previously had a deal in place with Leeds United for Brazilian winger Raphinha earlier this summer, only for the player to snub the London club and join Barca.
Jules Kounde arrived at Sevilla in 2019 and has since played 133 games in all competitions with the club. Kounde, who is considered one of the best young defenders in soccer, also has 11 appearances for France’s national team.
