Jules Kounde has insisted that Barcelona have paid out his salary 'in full' despite the Spanish giants' ongoing financial problems. The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer as Thomas Tuchel looked to replenish his backline amid the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
football.london understood that the Blues were 'extremely confident' of landing Kounde as part of a £68m deal, with Xavi's side up against outstanding debt. But, after a number of economic levers were pulled and sales were made, the Catalan side gathered some cash and beat the west Londoners to the France international's signature.
But only just about. Kounde was not registered in time to play for Barcelona ahead of their La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano. The Spanish giants had failed to meet La Liga's salary cap in order to register their new signings.
