05 Jules KOUNDE (fra) during the UEFA Nations League, Group 1 match between France and Denmark at Stade de France on June 3, 2022 in Paris, France. Icon Sport

Barcelona beats out Chelsea, signs defender Jules Kounde

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 7/27/22

Barcelona has officially won the Jules Kounde sweepstakes, signing the defender after agreeing to a fee of 55 million euros with Sevilla, ESPN reported. Barca beat out Chelsea to sign the 23-year-old center back, which had been making offers to sign him since last summer.

Barcelona have beaten Chelsea to the signing of defender Jules Kounde after agreeing a fee of around €55 million with Sevilla, sources told @samuelmarsden and @moillorens. pic.twitter.com/VvPe3MNEjo
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 27, 2022

According to ESPN, Kounde was close to signing with the Premier League team but Barca increased their interest last weekend and agreed to personal terms with the French footballer. Barca manager Xavi Hernandez was reportedly very pivotal in getting the deal done.

Jules Koundé to Barcelona, here we go! Verbal agreement now in place with Sevilla after the long saga and further negotiations today, waiting to get it signed soon. #FCB

Jules Koundé agreed personal terms with Barça last weekend, contract ready. Xavi, key factor again. pic.twitter.com/eX2jeVPheF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2022

Kounde scored nine goals over three years playing for Sevilla in Spain. He is the team's sixth big signing of the offseason and the second player Barca has signed before Chelsea could with Raphinha being signed from Leeds United earlier this month.

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