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.
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When Barcelona were looking to generate space to formally welcome the Frenchman, Frenkie de Jong become subject to internal - and external - pressure to take a pay cut. The midfielder, who is said to earn close to £ 360,000 a week as one of the club's highest earners, is owed £17million in deferred wages from the pandemic, according to The Telegraph.
Ever since this report broke, there has been a running joke on social media among supporters of opposition clubs that Barcelona have been unable to pay their players. And, Kounde has been the latest player to be questioned - in jest - as to whether he's on the club's payroll.
Responding to a question on his salary with Barcelona's money problems in mind, the player quote retweeted: "Salary has been paid in full, thanks for your concern my g."
Kounde has recently opened up on his decision to reject Chelsea, telling French publication L’Equipe as quoted by the Metro: "First, I come to a huge club, which has known good times and which, lately, has had less.
"I come to a project that I would not call reconstruction, because we already have a competitive team, but rather, being upturned. I was interested in being part of this new wave, in search of titles, and to put Barca back where it has always been, among the best clubs.
"Then there was the conversation with the coach. We talked about football, mainly. I felt a real confidence from him, that he had a real knowledge of myself, my game and my qualities. I spoke with Tuchel and I also felt that he wanted me to come but I simply preferred Xavi’s speech."
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