Speaking to Barcelona’s club media, Jules Kounde said: “It’s true that I had the opportunity to sign for Chelsea but we had to wait for Barcelona to find an agreement with Sevilla.
“When I saw that it was possible, I chose Barca, I was very clear about that. It’s a big club and an ambitious project. Xavi is a big reason as to why I’m here. His talk convinced me, I’m excited to start working with the team.
“It’s clear that we see football in the same way. It wasn’t a big decision, because I wanted to come here. I’m very happy, very proud. I’m coming to a big club, an ambitious club and I’m also coming with ambition.”
Sevilla’s sporting director Monchi has confirmed that the La Liga side had reached an agreement with Chelsea for Kounde but the Premier League giants started expressing ‘doubts’ at the last moment.
All of this handed Barcelona a chance to make an offer at the 11th hour, and, given how moving to Camp Nou was always the player’s priority, the Blues no longer had a chance to sign the promising centre-back.