In the summer of 2022, there was a fierce battle between Premier League club Chelsea and FC Barcelona to sign Sevilla’s French defender Jules Koundé. Koundé chose Barcelona and signed for around €55 million. He extended his contract to June 2030 in August 2025. In his initial seasons in Spain, he established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders and made it into 3 out of the last 5 LaLiga Teams of the Season.
Koundé lost his regular place at right-back to Eric García last season under Hansi Flick, and he has fallen behind García and João Cancelo again this season. Flick preferred Eric García and João Cancelo for the right-back position. As a result, Koundé started in 4 of Barcelona’s first 13 matches.
Chelsea’s new head coach Xabi Alonso has faced big defensive problems in London. Club captain Reece James underwent knee surgery, keeping him out for several weeks, and Malo Gusto might also leave the club. Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation needs a versatile defender who can play both Right-Back and Right-sided Central Defender, and Koundé fits this tactical requirement perfectly.
Because of this, Chelsea has made Koundé their absolute priority for the upcoming January winter transfer window. The club has informed Barcelona and Koundé’s agents. According to transfer insider Matteo Moretto (DAZN España), “Barça are going to listen to offers for Koundé. Chelsea are already inquiring about him.” Barça is expecting an offer of €55m to €60m (£45m–£51m) for Koundé, and Alonso will contact Koundé directly.
Jules Koundé is a French international defender with 58 caps for France. He started at the Bordeaux youth academy and performed best at Sevilla. In a press conference, Koundé admitted that his previous season wasn’t up to his standards, but he wants to take on this challenge and get back to his best form.
Journalist Juan Jesus shared on X that Alonso is a big admirer of Koundé, but neither Hansi Flick nor Koundé are thinking about leaving the club right now. Koundé is comfortable at Barcelona and wants to fight for his starting spot. Recently, due to an ankle injury, he couldn’t play in matches against PSG, Real Madrid, and Deportivo Alavés, where Barça won.
Koundé’s contract runs until 2030, and he wants to stay in Spain and fight for his spot. But under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea’s aggressive approach in the January transfer window opens up a clear option for him to return to London.
