Barcelona Eyes Ben Chilwell as Chelsea Considers Jules Kounde Transfer Swap
Barcelona’s interest in Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell comes as the Englishman faces limited game time under Enzo Maresca, who has preferred Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga for that role this season.
Chilwell, once a crucial part of Chelsea’s defense, now finds himself outside Maresca’s plans, and the club is open to offers for him in the January transfer window.
Due to recent injuries, Chilwell remained at Stamford Bridge, but he may soon have an opportunity to move on as Barcelona eyes him to support Alejandro Balde on the left.
Given Barcelona’s ongoing financial constraints, Chelsea would likely prefer a permanent deal rather than a loan.
However, Barcelona’s interest aligns with their defensive restructuring, as they are also looking at strengthening their right-back options, with a possible return for Oscar Mingueza from Celta Vigo, who could be reacquired for €10 million.
Meanwhile, Chelsea has shown interest in Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, a versatile defender capable of playing both as a center-back and right-back. Kounde nearly joined Chelsea in 2022, and the London club is reportedly prepared to make a substantial offer—potentially exceeding €60 million—to finally bring him to Stamford Bridge.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis potential swap of defensive talent could benefit both clubs if negotiations align on financial terms.
Ben Chilwell and Deivid Washington’s situations at Chelsea seem increasingly bleak as they struggle to find playing time under Enzo Maresca this season.
Despite a strong start in the Premier League and impressive performances in the Europa Conference League, Maresca’s lineup choices have largely excluded these two players, indicating they are not part of his long-term plans.
Chilwell, once a key part of Chelsea’s backline, has found himself sidelined this season. His only minutes came in a Carabao Cup match against Barrow in September, and he’s been overlooked in the league and omitted from the Conference League squad.
Maresca’s preferred three-at-the-back formation has left no room for Chilwell, with Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga taking on his former role. With Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup, his chances for any game time before January appear slim.
For 19-year-old Deivid Washington, the scenario is equally challenging. The Brazilian forward, who joined Chelsea from Santos for a reported $21.9 million, has yet to make a competitive appearance this season and has been relegated to the Premier League 2 squad.
Competition from Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, and Marc Guiu has kept him out of the first team, and he was omitted from Chelsea’s Conference League squad, limiting his opportunities to the FA Cup, which Chelsea won’t enter until January.
Unless things change, both Chilwell and Washington may face exits in the winter transfer window, with Chelsea likely looking to find new clubs for the pair.
Barcelona Eyes Ben Chilwell as Chelsea Considers Jules Kounde Transfer Swap
