Report: Xavi Convinces Jules Kounde To Play In Makeshift Position Next Season
Towards the end of the last season, there were a lot of murmurs about Jules Kounde and his continuity as it emerged that the defender had become upset about being used as a right-back when he promised that he would play at centre-back when he arrived.
The talk died down soon, with the defender himself and manager Xavi Hernandez playing down all talks of a departure. However, it was acknowledged that Kounde would be moved to his natural habitat at centre-back next season.
But, given the financial situation at hand, Barça are not certain about whether they can sign a new right-back in the transfer window, especially given their struggles in offloading players.
As such, journalist Sique Rodriguez is reporting that Xavi has convinced Kounde to continue playing as a makeshift right-back next season as well after holding several talks with the Frenchman.
Kounde joined Barcelona last summer from Sevilla in a deal worth €50 million. As iterated earlier, he was signed to reinforce the centre-back position.
But with Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen forming a great partnership and the lack of options at right-back led to Xavi stationing the Frenchman on the right side of the defence, where his performances exceeded expectations.
However, Kounde has always maintained that he wants to play at centre-back. But with Sergi Roberto and Julian Araujo the only other potential options at right-back, the Frenchman could once again be asked to do the job, especially with Araujo being linked with a departure.
It is now believed that Xavi has had multiple chats with Kounde about the same and it appears that they have worked as the 24-year-old is convinced about continuing at right-back next season should the need arise.
Much will depend on whether Barcelona do sign a new right-back or not this summer. They have been linked with the likes of Joao Cancelo and Ivan Fresneda. But if no move goes through, Kounde could again find himself filling in as a full-back.
