Ex-Chelsea target reveals turning down 'attractive' FC Barcelona club was 'easy choice'
Former Chelsea target Jules Kounde has suggested it was an 'easy choice' for him to turn down the Blues and join FC Barcelona from Sevilla.
Kounde shone for Sevilla during his three years at the club between 2019 and 2022.
Chelsea were known to admire him before his transfer to FC Barcelona earlier this summer.
The latest title-winning signing from every Premier League club, including the forgotten name of Liverpool
The Blues challenged Barcelona for his services but he eventually joined La Liga rivals Sevilla. The Spanish giants also beat Chelsea to sign Raphinha from Leeds United.
Kounde had to wait to be registered before making his debut amid Barcelona's financial struggles.
He made his first appearance for his new side on August 28 as they beat Real Valladolid 4-0 at Camp Nou.
When his £45m transfer to Barcelona was completed, Kounde hinted that he was "very excited" to join the club:
"Coach Xavi is one of the big reasons why I am here. I spoke to him several times and his way of speaking was captivating," Kounde told club media in July.
"We had good conversations, we see football in the same way.
"Now it's about getting into the team, doing my best and getting as many minutes as possible.
"I am very proud and grateful for this opportunity. I am very excited because I am coming to a great club and a great team.
"I'm really looking forward to playing with the team and getting to know my teammates. Sevilla are a great club, but Barca are the next step in my career at all levels.
"I'm really looking forward to playing with the team and getting to know my teammates. Sevilla are a great club, but Barca are the next step in my career at all levels."
Kounde has impressed for Barcelona in both of his appearances. Last time out, he provided two assists to help his team beat Sevilla 3-0.
The talented defender has now suggested Barcelona manager Xavi played a role in his decision to leave Sevilla permanently:
"Barca are always a club capable of attracting anyone, and the manager was also very important," Kounde said (via The Daily Mail).
"He gave me a lot of confidence and I liked the way he approached football.
"It was an easy choice for me because it gave me everything I was looking for."
Former Chelsea target Jules Kounde has suggested it was an 'easy choice' for him to turn down the Blues and join FC Barcelona from Sevilla.
Kounde shone for Sevilla during his three years at the club between 2019 and 2022.
Chelsea were known to admire him before his transfer to FC Barcelona earlier this summer.
The latest title-winning signing from every Premier League club, including the forgotten name of Liverpool
The Blues challenged Barcelona for his services but he eventually joined La Liga rivals Sevilla. The Spanish giants also beat Chelsea to sign Raphinha from Leeds United.
Kounde had to wait to be registered before making his debut amid Barcelona's financial struggles.
He made his first appearance for his new side on August 28 as they beat Real Valladolid 4-0 at Camp Nou.
When his £45m transfer to Barcelona was completed, Kounde hinted that he was "very excited" to join the club:
"Coach Xavi is one of the big reasons why I am here. I spoke to him several times and his way of speaking was captivating," Kounde told club media in July.
"We had good conversations, we see football in the same way.
"Now it's about getting into the team, doing my best and getting as many minutes as possible.
"I am very proud and grateful for this opportunity. I am very excited because I am coming to a great club and a great team.
"I'm really looking forward to playing with the team and getting to know my teammates. Sevilla are a great club, but Barca are the next step in my career at all levels.
"I'm really looking forward to playing with the team and getting to know my teammates. Sevilla are a great club, but Barca are the next step in my career at all levels."
Kounde has impressed for Barcelona in both of his appearances. Last time out, he provided two assists to help his team beat Sevilla 3-0.
The talented defender has now suggested Barcelona manager Xavi played a role in his decision to leave Sevilla permanently:
"Barca are always a club capable of attracting anyone, and the manager was also very important," Kounde said (via The Daily Mail).
"He gave me a lot of confidence and I liked the way he approached football.
"It was an easy choice for me because it gave me everything I was looking for."
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