Sevilla’s asking price for Jules Kounde has reduced, with the La Liga giants reportedly demanding €65 million for the French defender.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Sevilla will part ways with Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window if a suitor pays €65 million. The French defender is a target for Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Jules Kounde has established himself as one of the best defenders in La Liga since joining Sevilla from Bordeaux in July 2019. To date, the 23-year-old has turned out 126 times for the Andalusian giants, chipping in with seven goals and three assists in the process.
At the same time, Kounde has also established a foothold in the French national setup and played a part in Les Bleus’ UEFA Nations League triumph last year. The player’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United, setting their sights on him.
Real Madrid could delve into the market for a centre-back in the summer transfer window, as Jesus Vallejo has a non-existent future at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Nacho is a backup option at best. That leaves Eder Militao and David Alaba as the only natural centre-backs at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal, prompting Real Madrid to consider a move for Kounde.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interest in Kounde has grown stronger since failing to sign him last summer. The Blues are keen on bringing the Sevilla defender to Stamford Bridge this year, especially with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger primed to leave as free agents. But it is unclear if Chelsea will be able to sign players in the summer amid the uncertain ownership situation in west London.
Finally, Manchester United’s need for a centre-back has cropped up due to Harry Maguire’s blow hot blow cold performances this season. In addition to the Manchester United captain’s poor performances, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones face uncertain futures at Old Trafford, bringing Kounde into the picture as a much-needed central defensive reinforcement.
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Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United have now been handed a major boost in pursuit of the Sevilla defender, with the La Liga giants dropping their asking price from €80 million to €65 million. A heated transfer battle could thus be on the cards as the three European bigwigs chase the €65 million-rated centre-back.
