What is set to happen at Stamford Bridge this summer is said to be the biggest change ever for a club in the Premier League. – Chelsea have reportedly put €500 million worth of players up for sale to finance a number of new signings.
High on that list is the French right-back Jules Koundé who, while NOT being on sale by Barcelona, is being chased by a number of top clubs in Europe. Chelsea know they have to make a big bid, which they do: €80 million for Jules Koundé.
Jules Koundé, who is an obvious and regular part of Barcelona’s starting eleven, has once again caught the attention of the London-based club, who are looking to strengthen their defensive line with a versatile defender with international experience.
In a situation where the Catalan club needs to balance its finances, an offer of this magnitude could become an unexpected solution to ease the financial pressure.
Read: Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham in position to sign striker with wild 143 Premier League goals
Champipons League! There are only four left! – Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona during Wednesday we will see who the other two will be.
Jules Koundé was part of Barcelona’s starting eleven in yesterday’s (Wednesday) 3 – 1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the other quarter-final of the Champions League. Barcelona progressed after 3 – 5 on aggregate.
Although Koundé has made his mark under Hansi Flick and feels comfortable in his current role, he is not unaffected by the interest from top clubs in the Premier League. Last summer, he was open to a transfer if the right conditions were met. Now, with Chelsea willing to go far and Arsenal also considering a signing, the defender finds himself at the centre of a market that promises a lot of activity.
Chelsea want to sign Jules Koundé
The operation will represent a significant gain for Barça, who bought him for 50 million euros from Seville. A sale for 80 million will improve the financial balance and give more leeway when it comes to complying with the salary cap, an issue that has influenced all the club’s decisions in recent years. Moreover, with other players like Ronald Araújo also being on the radar of big clubs, this underlines Barcelona’s need to make strategic decisions sooner rather than later.
According to reports from England, Chelsea have already hatched a plan to convince both the player and the Catalan club. All indications are that the upcoming transfer window will be crucial for Koundé’s future and for a reorganization of Barcelona’s defense.
Read on F7: “Minecraft movie” smashes records – becomes the biggest box office hit of the year
Highlights of Jules Koundé’s career
- Early career and breakthroughs
- Born November 12, 1998 in Paris, France.
- Began his professional career with Bordeaux in the 2016/17 season.
- Quickly became a key player in defence and impressed with his speed, technique and defensive intelligence.
- Seville (2019–2022)
- Signed by Sevilla in 2019 for approx. 25 million euros.
- Developed into one of La Liga’s best defenders under Julen Lopetegui.
- Helped Sevilla win the 2019/20 Europa League.
- Became known for his versatility (could play both center back and right-back).
- FC Barcelona (2022– )
- Signed for approx. 50 million euros in the summer of 2022.
- Became an important piece in Barcelona’s defence under Xavi.
- Helped Barça win La Liga 2022/23.
- Often played as a right-back despite his natural position as a centre-back.
- National team football (France)
- Made his debut for France’s national team in 2021.
- Was part of the squad for the 2022 World Championships (silver medal).
- Player Profile
- Strengths: Speed, good passing, 1v1 defense, aerial power.
- Weaknesses: Somewhat uneven in form, can be too offensive as a full-back.
- Market value (2025): Estimated at €60-80 million.
- Possible transfer now?
- Chelsea and Arsenal interested in a transfer in the summer of 2025.
- Barcelona could be persuaded to sell due to financial problems.
- Koundé himself is open to a new challenge, but also happy in Barcelona.
