The four parties responsible for Kounde’s move to Barcelona

Despite widespread speculation regarding Jules Kounde’s potential move to Chelsea, it appears Barcelona have not given up just yet.

In fact, various sources in Spain now suggest the Sevilla defender could reject Chelsea and wait for Barça’s offer before making a definitive decision over his future.

Gerard Romero had reported earlier that the Catalans have reached an agreement with Sevilla over the transfer fee whilst also hinting that move could be imminent.

While Romero had stated Mateu Alemany’s influence behind Barça’s attempts to hi-jack the Kounde move, he has revealed the names of three more figures involved in the negotiations.

In addition to Alemany, Barcelona coach Xavi had played a key role in helping Barcelona remain in the chase for Kounde. The Spanish tactician remains a top admirer of the Frenchman and wants him at his disposal next season at all costs.

Meanwhile, even the Sevilla sporting director Monchi was involved in the negotiations, potentially helping propagate Kounde’s move to Barça.

Monchi was helped by his assistant Fernando Navarro. The 40-year-old was roped in by Sevilla in the summer of 2019 as a sports coordinator, who was to work closely with the sporting director, especially in deals relating to the transfer market.

Romero believes Navarro had played a key role in the negotiations, and it is perhaps unsurprising that the 40-year-old has close ties to Barcelona.

Navarro is a native of Barcelona. He was even a member of the club’s youth setup and had featured in 35 competitive matches for the Catalans, before leaving in 2006.

Romero claims Navarro had spoken to Xavi and Alemany for weeks about the prospect of selling Kounde to the Catalonian outfit, and his influence in the deal cannot be understated.

However, despite Navarro’s strong links with Barça, Sevilla would ideally prefer Kounde to join Chelsea, as the Premier League giants are willing to table a much better offer. Barça, for their part, are yet to table an offer, if reports from Marca are to be believed.