In the ongoing exchange window, Barcelona is reportedly prepared to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla after another dramatic exchange battle with Chelsea.
The 23-year-old has topped Xavi's list of things to acquire to strengthen his backline this late spring. However, Sevilla was acknowledged to have agreed with Chelsea after they had been pressing with a fantastic goal, just for the Blaugranato to come back at them, as they had done with Raphinha.
According to reports, Kounde's move to Camp Nou could be imminent because Barça and Sevilla have reached an agreement worth €60 million and have also agreed on terms for a four-year contract with the French international.
When signed, Kounde will be yet another excellent paper pusher for the Blaugrana and will strengthen the defensive options Xavi has going into the new campaign.
Kounde's presence appears to be approaching, thus Barça Universal is looking into how the Blaugrana backline could start playing.
The first option: Araujo, Dest, Kounde, and Alba
Guarantee how hard Xavi campaigned for his marking and the anticipated cost on his swap, it is a given that Kounde will walk right into the starting XI if Barcelona signs him.
Ronald Araujo is also an obvious pick in the setup, especially given the excellent structure he has demonstrated over the past year.
Together, the Frenchman and the Uruguayan will form an intimidatingly cautious organization that rivals will struggle to surpass.
Jordi Alba must be considered for the left-back position. Additionally, despite the fact that Barça would love to have a different right-back, they might be forced to stick with Sergino Dest due to concerns that the Cesar Azpilicueta deal won't pan out.
Back three: Araujo, Pique, and Kounde
Recently, Xavi demonstrated his willingness to use a three-man conservative unit depending on the situation and the opponent. A three-man backline could also be an appropriate alternative for Barça next season, given the richness in the middle back office that he will have.
Gerard Pique, a senior guardian, might command the situation by positioning himself in the middle of the backline. In such a scenario, Kounde would have to have the left-sided attention back. The 23-year-old has previous experience playing in a public setting with a French group.
The unexpected choice: Araujo, Kounde, Christensen, and Alba
Another intriguing option that Xavi and Barcelona can think about is expressing Ronald Araujo's rightful back position. Undoubtedly, the 23-year-old is the best community back now available to Catalans.
Nevertheless, the Uruguayan international showed last season on a few occasions that he can play on the right side of the back four and performed admirably in the circumstance in the preseason friendly against Real Madrid, effortlessly shackling Vinicius.
Even if it's unlikely to happen frequently, Xavi might call on Araujo to step in at right-back when necessary. This would allow him to handle Kounde with summer signing Andreas Christensen at the center of the defense, with Alba continuing at left-back.
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