After a very good 2022-23 season, in which the team particularly shone defensively, the last season left a lot to be desired, as Barcelona were unable to retain their La Liga title, and had to finish the season trophyless.
There were several reasons why the Catalans struggled to keep a tight defense this season, despite the addition of Inigo Martinez last summer, and the emergence of Pau Cubarsi during the season.
The lack of a competent midfield pivot and Balde and Gavi’s injuries were some of the factors that contributed to this defensive fragility.
Another reason for this decline in the defensive performance of the team was the lack of form of one of the key defenders in the team, Jules Kounde, who had to undergo a difficult second season at the club.
While he was able to recover his form in the latter parts of the campaign, his barren streak went for a long time during the middle of the season and cost his team dearly.
As Barcelona will have to generate a significant sum in the upcoming months to strengthen their team ahead of the next season, Kounde can be one of the options for a sale.
This is especially the case as Mundo Deportivo reports that the Frenchman does not have total confidence of the sports management of the club, and he also has suitors in the Premier League. The London-based club, Chelsea, is one of the sides interested in him.
The Blues have always wanted the Frenchman in their team and had also competed with Barcelona for his signature two years ago.
Keeping in view the economic and sporting situation of the Catalan club, one can actually see him leaving for the London club this summer.
However, for now, there is not a lot of commotion about such a move in the news, and it remains to be seen how Kounde’s links with Chelsea will grow in the coming days.
