Chelsea Are Looking To Offer €100 Million For This Barcelona Defender: Will He Move To The Stamford Bridge? | OneFootball

Spanish news outlet SPORT has reported that Premier League giants Chelsea are still interested in signing Barcelona defender Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window and are willing to offer €100 million to bring the French defender to Stamford Bridge. The Blues had a huge tussle with the Catalan club before the Frenchman decided to join Barcelona in the summer of 2022.

The Frenchman has been made to play as the right-nack for Barcelona and has been sensational in that role. Moreover, he has played week and week out for the club due to the absence of any other right-back options and has definitely been one of the most important players of the Catalan club.

His agility and speed make him a formidable opponent in one-on-one situations, while his tactical awareness helps him position perfectly. Koundé’s ball-playing ability is top-notch; he’s comfortable distributing from the back, often sparking attacks with his precise passes. His aerial prowess is notable, winning duels both defensively and offensively. Additionally, his calm presence under pressure makes him a reliable asset in critical matches.

GETAFE, SPAIN – JANUARY 18: Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga match between Getafe CF and FC Barcelona at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on January 18, 2025 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Kounde has conceded 21 goals and kept 5 clean sheets in 23 matches in the La Liga 2024/2025 season. That means when Kounde is on the pitch, his team concedes a goal every 89 minutes. Moreover, he’s made 2.36 tackles and 0.68 interceptions for every 90 minutes he was on the pitch. His total G/A (goals + assists) is 5 for this season.

Will he leave Barcelona?

Looking into his passing aspect of the game, Kounde passes the ball roughly 58.17 times during a game with a pass completion rate of 87.65%. He also plays 1.16 key passes each game. Overall, Kounde’s xA (expected assists) output is 0.25 per 90 minutes.

The Blues are not convinced about the long-term future of Reece James. Moreover, Malo Gusto has not performed at his highest level for the club. Wesley Fofana has struggled with his fitness levels, and hence Chelsea wants a player like Kounde who can feature as a right-back and also as a centre-back.

They are willing to offer Barca a sum of €100 million and also will allow Kounde to play as a centre-back to entice him for a move to Stamford Bridge. However, I don’t think that Kounde will be looking to leave the Catalan club given that he is one of the first names in the team sheet and is very happy with his stay at Barcelona.