Juventus have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Jules Kounde has popped up on the radar of Juventus over a move in the summer transfer window. The French defender, who is valued at €50 million by Sevilla, is also being tailed by Manchester United and others.
Jules Kounde has come leaps and bounds since joining Sevilla from Bordeaux in the summer of 2019, having taken no time to establish himself as a mainstay in Los Nervionenes’ defence. Now regarded as one of the best centre-backs on show in La Liga, the 22-year-old has seen his stock skyrocket in the last couple of years.
Till date, the Frenchman has racked up 75 appearances for Sevilla, even chipping in with 5 goals and an assist. His stunning growth has alerted a number of top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United, who have now been joined in his pursuit by Juventus.
Manchester United have been reported to be in the market for a centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window and for good reason. Harry Maguire, who himself has been prone to the odd error, has been ever-present at the back for the Red Devils but has not had a consistent partner over the course of the ongoing season.
While Eric Bailly has always struggled with injuries during his stint with Manchester United, Victor Lindelof has also been dealing with a chronic back issue this term. To counter that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had to rotate the Swede extensively. With that in mind, it has become an urgent need for Manchester United to sign a centre-back in the summer, with Kounde a priority target.
Juventus, on the other hand, are in a transitional period, at least as far as defence is concerned, with Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini on the wrong side of 30 and in the twilight of their careers. In addition, Merih Demiral and Daniele Rugani – currently on loan at Cagliari – are facing uncertain futures in Turin, meaning it has become imperative for them to sign a centre-back.
Kounde is, therefore, a viable target for Juventus, with his pursuit also getting the backing of talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. The report suggests that the 22-year-old is valued at just €50 million and it will be interesting to see if the Bianconeri or Manchester United are ready to pay such a sum.
For now, it looks like the race to sign Kounde is heating up, with Juventus the latest big-name club hot on his trails. It now remains to be seen if either the Serie A champions or Manchester United can manage to secure his services in the summer or if he stays put at Sevilla.
