Update On Sevilla Defender As Barcelona In Talks Amid Chelsea Links: What Could He Bring To Nou Camp?

Football.london believes that Barcelona are reportedly in advanced talks with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer. It has also been mentioned that Chelsea have agreed on personal terms with the centre-back for a while now but a deal needs to be struck for Sevilla to sanction a move. With the Spanish giants moving in to secure him, it’ll come as a huge blow to the Blues if they miss out on him ahead of the next season.

Kounde’s Campaign For Sevilla This Season

Jules Kounde has enjoyed a solid campaign at the heart of Sevilla’s backline. He has managed to produce impressive displays at the defensive third of the field, having scored three goals and creating one assist over 42 appearances this season across all fronts.

The French sensation has been a key player for the Spanish side. He has been a consistent performer after averaging 1.3 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 3.1 clearances per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has been more than impressive when distributing the ball from the back, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 88.9% in the Spanish first division (stats via whoscored).

What Will Kounde Bring To Barcelona?

Kounde is a decent tackler of the ball; he usually remains quick on clearing the danger when the opposition is on the front foot. He remains proficient at playing his way out from the back, distributing the ball exceptionally well. Standing at 1.78m, he has a solid presence inside his half, and this also allows him to win a few aerial duels from the opposition. He can also make some clever interceptions to win the ball back for his team.

The Frenchman will replace Clement Lenglet, who doesn’t seem to get out of his slump of a form, in Xavi’s starting XI, and he will no doubt enhance the quality of Barcelona’s defence. He can add more bite and steel to Xavi’s backline and we could see a beautiful partnership with Ronald Araujo at the defensive third of the field.

At 23, Kounde is only going to get better with each season and could help the Spanish giants reclaim the title of being the European champions. Xavi would be wise to go all in, and if the deal comes through, we could see him at Camp Nou before the start of the next season.