Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea are reportedly in talks with 23-year-old French international Jules Kounde over a summer move.
According to reputed German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Jules Kounde’s entourage is in talks with several high profile European clubs. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea are all holding discussions with the French international over a possible move in the summer transfer window.
Jules Kounde has taken La Liga by storm since joining Sevilla from Bordeaux in July 2019. Now widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe, the 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength in the last two and a half years, becoming a mainstay in defence for Los Nervionenses.
To date, the French international has made 119 appearances for Sevilla, chipping in with seven goals and three assists in the process. Kounde’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea, keen on signing him in the summer transfer window.
At Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez is keen on bringing Kounde over from Sevilla in the summer transfer window as he looks to bolster his defensive unit. With Gerard Pique in the twilight of his career, the Blaugrana already needed to sign a centre-back. But Eric Garcia’s inconsistencies, coupled with the declining stature of Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti, has prompted Barcelona to prioritise the addition of a central defender.
As for Real Madrid, their interest in Kounde stems from the lack of reliable cover for Eder Militao and David Alaba apart from Nacho. And with the veteran Spanish defender on the wrong side of 30, Real Madrid will need to delve into the transfer market for a centre-back, making Kounde a viable target.
Meanwhile, Chelsea had been keen on signing Kounde last summer before a move failed to materialise. The Blues’ interest in Kounde has not waned, and they are now lining up a summer move for the 23-year-old French international. And according to Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are all in talks with Kounde.
Interest from Bayern Munich has also been mentioned, but Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen seems to be their preferred target. So Kounde will likely be a subject of a three-horse race in the summer transfer window, with Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid vying for his signature.
