A new player for Barcelona Jules Kounde said that one of the main reasons he joined the Camp Nou team was because of coach Xavi. The Frenchman did talk to him more than once, and he liked the way the former midfielder talked.
On Thursday, Barcelona confirmed that they had signed Jules Kounde from La Liga rivals Sevilla, pending a successful medical. Fabrizio Romano says that the two clubs have agreed on a fixed fee of around €50 million plus add-ons. It is thought that the player, who was also wanted by Chelsea, will sign a five-year deal with the Blaugrana (ending in June 2027).
What did Jules Kounde say about FC Barcelona?
In his first interview with the club, Kounde spoke highly of his new manager and the club. He also said that Xavi was a big part of why he decided to come. He said (via Barca Blaugranes) on the club’s official channel:
“One of the great reasons I’m here is because of Xavi. I talked to him a few times, and I liked the way he talked. We had some good talks, and we both think the same way about football. Now, the goal is to join the team and get as much playing time as possible.”
Kounde moved to Sevilla from Bordeaux in 2019 for €25 million. He went on to play 133 times for the club, scoring nine goals and setting up three others.
What will Kounde offer?
Kounde has shown over the last three years that he is one of the best defenders in La Liga by putting in several key performances. He will now try to have the same kind of effect while playing for one of the most successful teams in the world.
Kounde isn’t the tallest center-back in La Liga. He’s 178 cm (5.8 ft) tall. But what he lacks in physical strength, he more than makes up for with his incredible speed and defensive smarts. Kounde is known not only for how fast he is, but also for how well he can catch the ball, play with it, and score important goals every now and then.
Once he gets used to life in Barcelona, Kounde could become an important part of Xavi’s XI. By working together with Ronald Araujo on defence, Kounde could keep Barcelona’s back line safe for a long time.
