English media offers up excuses as Kounde chooses Barcelona over Chelsea

Barcelona appear to be the favourite to emerge triumphant in the race to sign Jules Kounde. The month-long transfer saga is currently at its conclusive end, with many sources backing the Catalans to triumph over Chelsea.

Kounde’s move to Camp Nou could land a huge blow to the majority of the English media, who have been suggesting the Frenchman’s move to Stamford Bridge throughout the past few weeks.

Jacob Steinberg was one of the English journalists to put Chelsea as the favourite to sign Kounde earlier this month.

In addition to Steinberg, there were several other journalists, who even went on to claim that the Blues consider the deal complete, with suggestions of a move being officiated in the coming days.

However, in an awkward twist of fate, it appears Barça have once again gotten the better of Chelsea, as Kounde is now set for a move to Camp Nou. The club’s official shop has even made the Kounde print available, which could be a major hint as to what’s to come.

In light of the recent revelations, one would expect English media to back up the local Spanish sources. But it appears the Premier League-based journalists, including Steinberg, are trying to make up excuses for Chelsea’s apparent defeat in the transfer saga.

In one such article from Guardian, Steinberg points out that the Blues are lately having doubts over the idea of incorporating Kounde. The report suggests coach Thomas Tuchel is not too fond of the defender, due to his 5’10” inch figure, which, according to him, is not enough to succeed in the Premier League.

The report comes at a time when Chelsea are desperately relying on the services of the 5’9″ Thiago Silva to steady the ship in defence next season, after losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen in the summer.

Kounde, meanwhile, has his heart set on a move to Barcelona. He could become the third player to choose Barça over Chelsea this summer, joining an elite company involving Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha.