Barcelona and one of the Premier League’s giants, Chelsea, are locked in a high-stakes. Both of the clubs battle over French defender Jules Kounde, with the Catalans scrambling to secure his long-term future amid a €100 million ($105 million) bid from the London club. The 26-year-old, who has evolved into one of Europe’s top right-backs under manager Hansi Flick, is now at the center of a tug-of-war that could shape both clubs’ seasons.
Why Chelsea Want Kounde
Chelsea’s interest in Kounde is driven by concerns over Reece James’ recurring injuries and their need for a world-class defensive upgrade. The Blues are prepared to offer €100 million to lure him to Stamford Bridge, a figure Barcelona initially demanded for winger Raphinha in a separate negotiation. Kounde’s versatility—he excels as a right-back or center-back—and his ability to contribute to both defense and attack make him a perfect fit for Chelsea’s system.
Barcelona’s Countermove
Barcelona are fighting to keep Kounde by offering him a lucrative new contract. His current deal runs until 2027, but the club wants to extend it with a salary increase from €13.5 million to €15 million annually, making him their third-highest earner behind Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski. Manager Hansi Flick sees Kounde as “essential” to his plans, praising his overlapping runs and defensive reliability.
The Catalans recently regained financial stability by selling €100 million worth of VIP seats at Camp Nou, allowing them to comply with La Liga’s spending rules and focus on retaining stars like Kounde. Sporting director Deco has already secured long-term deals for Pedri, Gavi, and Ronald Araujo, and Kounde is next on the list.
Kounde’s Rise to Stardom
Since joining Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022, Kounde has transformed from an inconsistent center-back into a world-class right-back. Former coach Xavi Hernandez’s decision to shift him wide unlocked his potential, and Flick has continued this strategy, relying on Kounde’s pace and tactical intelligence. This season, he has started 21 of 24 league games, helping Barcelona stay in the title race.
Financial Stakes and Transfer Rules
Barcelona’s ability to resist Chelsea’s offer hinges on their “1:1 transfer rule,” which lets them spend €1 for every €1 earned. The VIP seat sale eased their financial strain, but they still need to offload players like Eric Garcia or Andreas Christensen to fund new signings. Selling Kounde would provide instant cash but weaken their defense, which has already conceded 18 goals this term—their worst record in five seasons.
For Chelsea, the €100 million bid reflects their urgency to compete with rivals like Arsenal and Manchester City. The Blues have already smashed transfer records this window, including a deal for Keira Walsh, and Kounde would be their marquee defensive signing.
What’s Next?
Kounde has not publicly commented on the transfer rumors, but teammates say he is “happy in Barcelona” and values his role under Flick. However, Chelsea’s massive offer could test his loyalty. The defender’s agent is expected to meet with Barcelona officials this week to finalize contract terms.
If Kounde stays, Barcelona will focus on adding Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah as a free agent to bolster their defense. If he leaves, Chelsea will gain a proven star, while Barcelona might reinvest the funds in younger talents like Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup, who has a €100 million release clause.
