The Barca Breakdown discussed another landmark transfer in the summer window. Joules Kounde has signed with FC Barcelona, a deal including €50 million transfer fee + €10 million in variables over 4 years. Despite Chelsea offering over €60 million, it was clear the Frenchman didn't want to go to the Premier League. Barca now have a reinforced defense that will help them make it further into the Champions League and stop the comebacks that Barca fell victim to. But it matters no longer, Barcelona have Gerard Pique, Joules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Andres Christenesen, Sergio Roberto, Sergino Dest, and Jordi Alba. This will allow Xavi to rotate players much more effectively as well as mitigate the impact felt when a defender becomes injured.
With so many options will Barca play a 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3? A 3-4-3 has seen much of Barca fall victim to assault from the wings, many times having players backtracking during a counter. It is likely that Xavi will stick with a 4-3-4 especially when trying out different lineups and their effectiveness. The last thing to consider is what will Xavi's preferred lineup be? Players to get the most time in as center backs will most likely be Kounde and Araujo, but there will be plenty of time for Christensen. We believe Eric Garcia will lose some minutes/starts and dest in certain situations may have to compete with Roberto or Araujo. Whatever Xavi leans towards, Barca definitely have some great potential and will be facing Juventus tomorrow in the USA.