Jules Kounde insists he ‘will stay’ at La Liga champions Barcelona amid reports that Newcastle United were hoping to lure the France international to the Premier League.
Considering that the former Sevilla defender arrived at the Camp Nou as one of Europe’s most talented centre-halves, it’s perhaps no surprise that Jules Kounde appears a little frustrated with how things have panned out for him so far in Catalonia.
By head coach Xavi’s own admission, the £42 million colossus is more comfortable in the centre than he is on the flank. Due to the lack of options on the right-hand side of Barcelona’s backline, however, Kounde played more times out wide than he did in the middle during 2022/23; 21 of his 39 appearances coming in a somewhat unnatural position.
“It is true that he is more comfortable as a centre-back than as a full-back,” Xavi admits, via SPORT.
“They also made me play as a pivot (a number six) and I was more comfortable later on. But many times I had to play as a pivot due to team circumstances.
“I know you are a centre-half, Jules.”
Newcastle United reportedly want Barcelona’s Jules Kounde
Would Kounde consider a move away from Barcelona in favour of a side willing to hand him a role in his favoured position? AS claim that a Newcastle United side looking to add some star quality to their squad after securing Champions League qualification have enquired about the Paris-born 24-year-old.
Kounde, however, insists that he will be sticking around to help Barca defend their La Liga crown in 2023/24. Though, with Xavi all-but ruling out the arrival of a new, more natural right-back this summer, the one-time Bordeaux youngster may be set for further frustration if he hopes to nail down a starting place in the centre of the Blaugrana backline.
“So that it remains clear…my future? I will stay at Barcelona, of course” Kounde tells beIN Sports.
Kounde received approaches from both Chelsea and Manchester City during his time at Sevilla. The Andalusian’s director of football, Mochi, even admitted that a ‘magnificent’ offer from Pep Guardiola’s side had been turned down during the summer of 2020.
“Yes, in my first year in Seville, Guardiola called me,” Kounde recalls. “He told me he loved me and that he believed I would fit in with the way he played.
“I talked a lot about football with both (Guardiola and Barca boss Xavi). I realised that they had both seen me play and knew my abilities perfectly. They weren’t just talking: they were very precise conversations.”
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