Barcelona win the race for Kounde: Officially announce an agreement with Sevilla

Jules Kounde will depart Sevilla and Barcelona, with the Catalan club winning the race for his signature, even after it had seemed he might Chelsea instead.

The Blaugrana have reached an agreement with Sevilla that'll see them pay 50m euros plus a potential 10m euros more in add-ons, while the player has agreed to put pen to paper on a deal that'll run until 2027.

"Barcelona and Sevilla have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jules Olivier Kounde, awaiting the player ing a medical and the g of contracts," the Catalan club announced on Thursday evening.

"Kounde is known for being a very fast defender, quick to intercept, and being good on the ball.

"The French centre back, who can also play as a full back, is very difficult to beat one-on-one and is comfortable defending high up the pitch, as he trusts his recovery pace to get back.

"Also, even being 178 centimetres tall, Kounde is a real specialist in the air. He has an impressive leap so fighting for balls in the air is no issue.

"Kounde also likes playing out from the back and threatening his rivals though slide rule es or by carrying the ball.

"He never thinks twice about leaving his position at the back to in the attack by breaking the lines with the ball at his feet."

Barcelona continue their summer of spending by g Kounde

The Frenchman arrives at the Camp Nou along with several other new gs, as he follows Pablo Torre, Andreas Christensen, Franck Kessie, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski in the door.

Having activated economic levers to bring about immediate cash, Barcelona have been able to spend big on their squad.

Xavi wanted to strengthen in defence and Kounde was the ideal player, ahead of Inigo Martinez, who had also been linked when it seemed Kounde might not be attainable.

However, Barcelona have indeed managed to sign the young talent and, by pairing him with Ronald Araujo, they have a central defensive partnership to be very optimistic about.