Barcelona Star Reveals He Rejected Chelsea After ‘Preferring’ Xavi’s Approach to Thomas Tuchel’s

Barcelona Star Explains Why He Rejected Chelsea, Saying He ‘Preferred’ Xavi’s Approach Over Tuchel’s

When Barcelona finally secured the signing of Jules Kounde in the summer of 2022, it brought an end to one of the most intense transfer battles of the window. Chelsea wanted him. Barcelona wanted him. Sevilla knew they had a gem in their hands. And for weeks, the saga looked like it could tilt either way.

But as Kounde has now revealed, the decisive factor wasn’t money, contracts, or even sporting guarantees—it was a conversation. A conversation with Xavi Hernández that left such a strong impression on him that the defender knew Barça was the only place he wanted to be.

In a recent interview, the French international opened up on exactly why he chose Barcelona over Chelsea, explaining that Xavi’s calm, natural, football-first approach resonated with him in a way Thomas Tuchel’s did not. And looking back now, after multiple trophies and a new long-term contract, Kounde’s decision seems to have paid off in every way.

Barcelona vs Chelsea: The Battle for Jules Kounde

When Kounde left Sevilla, he wasn’t just another promising defender on the market. He was already one of Europe’s most coveted centre-backs—quick, technically polished, composed under pressure, and tactically mature beyond his years. His performances in La Liga and especially his displays en route to winning the 2019–20 Europa League made him a standout in Spanish football.

Chelsea, under Thomas Tuchel at the time, made him a priority signing. For Tuchel’s system, which relied heavily on ball-playing defenders, Kounde checked every box. Negotiations advanced, and for several days the London club seemed to be in pole position.

But Barcelona were determined not to give up. Xavi, who had just begun to reshape the team in his own image, pushed hard for Kounde. He saw him not simply as a signing, but as a cornerstone of the future defence—a player who could grow alongside Ronald Araújo and serve as the backbone of the club’s next era.

In the end, Xavi’s clarity and charisma turned the tide.

Kounde Explains His Transfer Decision: Why Xavi Won Him Over

Club Brugge KV v FC Barcelona – UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4

Kounde’s explanation for why he chose Barcelona over Chelsea offers an honest, almost refreshing look into the mind of a modern footballer—someone who values connection, communication, and project over flashy negotiations.

“I enjoyed our conversation,” Kounde said. “Time flew by, and that’s always a good sign when you’re talking naturally.”

He described his discussion with Xavi as effortless, engaging, and most importantly, centered on football. Not finances, not pressure, not promises—just football.

“We mainly talked about football, which is what I like talking about most,” he added. “Especially with the manager, Xavi, who was one of the best players ever.”

Compared to that, his talks with Thomas Tuchel felt different—not negative, but simply less aligned with what he wanted. “I spoke to Tuchel and felt that he wanted me to go,” Kounde explained, “but I simply preferred Xavi’s approach.”

Beyond the personal connection, another key factor was positioning. At Chelsea, Kounde was expected to be used as a full-back—a role he can perform but doesn’t consider his natural position. Barcelona, meanwhile, promised to primarily use him as a centre-back, where he feels at his strongest.

“I chose Barça because I know that most of the time I will play in this position,” he said.

Footballers often talk about projects and ideas. But for Kounde, it wasn’t a marketing pitch. It was a clear football identity—and Xavi made it feel real.

Manchester City’s Interest: Another Twist That Ultimately Went Nowhere

The story of Kounde’s career at Barcelona didn’t end with his arrival, of course. As his performances continued to shine—especially during Barcelona’s league-winning season—other elite clubs began to circle again.

In July, reports emerged that Manchester City were exploring the possibility of signing him. Pep Guardiola had endured one of his toughest seasons since joining City, finishing without a major trophy and struggling at the back. Kounde, with his intelligence, versatility, and composure, fit the profile of a classic Guardiola defender.

But the speculation was short-lived.

Barcelona sporting director Deco later confirmed City’s interest but made it clear that the conversation barely progressed:
“No, there was no offer,” he said. “City asked if Kounde was on the market, and we told them no.”

Within weeks, Kounde signed a contract extension keeping him at Barcelona until 2030—ending the rumours emphatically.

Barcelona Back to Winning Ways—and Kounde at the Heart of It

FC Barcelona v Athletic Club – LaLiga EA Sports

With his future secured and his development continuing, Kounde has become one of the pillars of Barcelona’s modern era. He has already lifted multiple La Liga titles and delivered big performances on European nights. He even scored the decisive goal in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid—a moment that cemented him further into Barça folklore.

Barcelona recently returned to action at the newly renovated Camp Nou with an emphatic 4–0 win over Athletic Bilbao, a night that seemed to remind supporters of the club’s growing momentum under Hansi Flick. Kounde’s leadership at the back was once again evident.

In the Champions League, Barcelona currently sit 11th with seven points from four games, trailing Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Their next match is against none other than Chelsea—Kounde’s former suitors. While not a direct rematch in personal terms, it is a fascinating narrative twist: the club he rejected now standing in Barcelona’s path in Europe.

Barcelona then return to La Liga action against Deportivo Alavés, sitting just one point behind league leaders Real Madrid. With Madrid slipping in recent matches, Barcelona are pushing hard for another league crown.

A Decision That Has Clearly Paid Off

Looking back two years later, it’s hard to argue with Kounde’s choice.

He chose Xavi’s honesty over Tuchel’s structure.
He chose Barcelona’s project over Chelsea’s offer.
He chose the role he wanted, not the role he was assigned.
And today, he is a central figure in a club fighting for trophies on multiple fronts.

Sometimes in football, the difference between two massive clubs chasing the same player comes down to something simple: a conversation. A connection. A vision expressed not through big promises but through clarity and understanding.

For Kounde, that moment came with Xavi. And Barcelona are reaping the benefits.