In a recent print edition, Sport (Page 20) revealed that Manchester United are showing interest in Barcelona ace Jules Kounde. It has been mentioned that the Red Devils have identified the French centre-back as a target for the summer transfer window.
Kounde’s Good Run Of From In La Liga This Season
Kounde is having a decent campaign at the Nou Camp as he has been responsible for putting in a run of impressive performances at the heart of the Barca backline. The France international has scored two goals and picked up four assists in 35 matches for the Catalan club this season across various competitions.
The 25-year-old has been a good performer when defending inside his half and had done well to average 1.0 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 2.7 clearances per game in La Liga. He has even been accurate when distributing possession from the back after completing 91.1% of his attempted passes in the Spanish first division (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Barca will run out in the summer of 2027. Thus, Man United would find it tough to snap him up on the cheap later this year.
Should Manchester United Boss Erik Ten Hag Move In For Kounde?
Kounde is a solid tackler of the ball and can make a few timely interceptions for his side when defending at the back. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot. The French sensation is even proficient at playing his way out from the back. He mainly functions as a central defender but can also fill in as a right-back if told to do so.
Kounde would no doubt enhance the quality of Man United‘s backline. He has what it takes to earn a regular first-team spot at Old Trafford in the coming seasons. At 25, the Paris-born talent has got his best years ahead of him which makes him a decent target for the Red Devils to pursue in the upcoming transfer window.
Kounde has got a wealth of experience at the highest level and could help the Mancunian giants compete for a major trophy or two in the future. Hence, Man United should focus on moving in for him this summer.
