Jules Kounde is reportedly ready to leave Sevilla in the summer, thereby handing a boost to Barcelona and Chelsea in the race to sign him.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Jules Kounde will look to call it quits at Sevilla in the summer transfer window. The French international is a target for Barcelona and Chelsea over a possible move ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Jules Kounde has established himself as one of the best defenders in La Liga since joining Sevilla from Bordeaux in July 2019. At the same time, the 23-year-old has also broken into the French national side and played a leading role in Les Bleus’ UEFA Nations League triumph last year.
The French international has enjoyed a solid 2021/22 campaign, turning out 39 times thus far while chipping in with two goals and one assist. Kounde’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with some of the most high profile clubs across Europe, including Barcelona and Chelsea, setting their sights on him.
The interest from Barcelona stems from the rising uncertainties surrounding the future of Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet. The French duo’s inconsistent displays and fitness issues have forced Xavi Hernandez to contemplate selling them, with Kounde a viable target to fill the spot in the first-team setup at FC Barcelona.
On the other hand, Chelsea attempted to sign Kounde last summer, but Sevilla held on to the 23-year-old firmly. But things could be different this year, and the links with Chelsea have grown in the last few months. With Antonio Rudiger set to join Real Madrid and Andreas Christensen on the verge of moving to Barcelona, the need to sign a centre-back has accentuated for Chelsea.
Kounde has now handed Barcelona and Chelsea a boost in his pursuit, as he is reportedly keen on leaving Sevilla in the summer transfer window. While a price tag is not mentioned in the report by SPORT, recent suggestions have pointed towards a €65 million asking amount.
While Chelsea might be able to afford to pay such a sum following the club’s sale being officiated, Barcelona might not manage to shell out the big bucks, especially with nearly half a dozen signings on the horizon. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Kounde when he leaves Sevilla in the summer.
