Jules Kounde has revealed how a phone call from Xavi Hernandez was decisive in his decision to join Barcelona ahead of frontrunners Chelsea this summer.
The Blues had interest in Kounde dating back over a year and were confident of securing a deal for the Frenchman this summer, with a verbal agreement in place – but the talented defender ultimately moved instead to the Camp Nou.
Chelsea instead went on to complete the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli in a £33.8million (€40m) deal while Kounde has established himself as an undisputed starter for his new side – even if he has often been deployed at right-back rather than in the heart of defence.
