According to recent reports from Spanish media outlet AS, Manchester United are interested in signing Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems determined to add to his options at the back.
The report further states that United’s local rivals Manchester City had submitted a €55m bid for the centre-back last summer, but it was turned down as the club won’t let him leave until his release clause of €75m is met.
‘The only option that seems feasible for a hypothetical exit.’ – The local newspaper stated.
Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and PSG are also keeping a keen eye on Jules Kounde.
Kounde’s Solid Season At The Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan
Having come through the ranks at French club Girondins Bordeaux, Jules Kounde signed for Sevilla in July 2019. He made 71 appearances over the course of two seasons at the club as he established himself as one of the best young defenders in Ligue 1. A series of impressive performances attracted major attention from several European clubs, and it was finally in the summer of 2020 that he decided to leave Bordeaux for La Liga side Sevilla.
It’ll be an understatement to say that the 22-year-old defender has hit the ground running in La Liga. In his first season in Spain, he registered 40 appearances across all competitions and helped his side qualify for UEFA Champions League football, bagging three-goal contributions in the process. Going by the numbers this season, Kounde averages 0.9 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 3.3 clearances per 90 minutes in the Spanish top division (calculated over 18 appearances).
While the numbers might not impress you at first sight, his contributions have greatly helped the Los Palanganas win some crucial games this season, the most recent example being the 2-0 win over FC Barcelona in the first leg of Copa del Rey semi-final where he scored a goal besides putting up a strong performance at the back.
With qualities like pace, agility, strength, and versatility, the Frenchman has developed into one of the most complete young defenders, and it won’t be long before he decides to take the next major step in his career to fulfil his sky-high potential.
Right Choice For The Red Devils?
Once the transfer window reopens in June, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be looking to bring in some quality re-enforcements to partner skipper Harry Maguire in the long-run – and Jules Kounde fits the bill.
With over 130 senior appearances and five Under-21 caps for his country, the youngster possesses the hunger and willingness required to excel at the highest stage, and he might well turn out to be worth the humongous price tag.
At 22, Kounde will only get better with each passing season, so Solskjaer should definitely try and get this deal over the line in the next transfer window (Stats from WhoScored).
