The Transfer Clasico: The Kounde Package

What’s the deal between Barcelona and Chelsea in the transfer clasico?

We’ve had a lot of football rivalries ever since the turn of the century, there is the El Clasico, the North-West derby but it appears a new one is being formed between Chelsea and Barcelona but this time born out of the transfer market.

The two clubs for some reason have seen themselves go after just the same players, with the Catalans even taking from the Blues one of its players recently in Andreas Christensen, aside the Raphina deal it hijacked from under Chelsea’s nose.

It’s become some sort of a reactionary tale of hijacking a deal that a club has been actively trying to close only to come back in time for another.

It all began with the deal for Leeds United’s Raphina who Arsenal initially had eyes on, then from around the corner, Chelsea under Todd Boehly came on to hijack the deal.

The Blues were in active talks with Yorkshire club only for the Catalans to come out of nowhere with the help of the Brazilian’s agent to hijack the deal right off from Chelsea’s grasp.

The transfer clasico then went on with a new report from Italian football journalist, Fabrizio Romano revealing that Barcelona are about to close the deal for Jules Kounde which Chelsea had originally opened talks for.

The journalist reveals that contacts were already made in the morning with personal terms already agreed with Kounde.

Romano in addition reveals that the Blues having tire themselves out of waiting for a green light from Jules Kounde’s current club, Sevilla after a £55m proposal was sent, are going to explore other options.

According to Romano:

“Barça were optimistic already on Sunday after further indications on player side that Koundé wants Barça move as priority.”

The Italian also adds that:

“Sevilla insist they’re only in talks with Chelsea so Barcelona’s official proposal will be key step in order to get the deal done – no intention of matching £55m bid, the structure will be different.”

It’s becoming quite the rivalry; a transfer clasico as Barcelona continue to poach players off Chelsea.

Chelsea coach, Thomas Tuchel even had to extensively complain about it in reaction to the reported move for captain, Cesar Azpilicueta to again, Barcelona.

It remains to be seen who will win this transfer clasico this time, if Kounde ultimately ends up at Chelsea or Barcelona.