Manchester United will reportedly look to sign 26-year-old French international Jules Kounde from Barcelona in a deal worth €80 million in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Jules Kounde is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are scouring the market for a versatile defender heading into the summer transfer window. So, the Barcelona defender has emerged as a target, with the Red Devils ready to cough up €80 million to secure his services.
The rise and rise of Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since joining FC Barcelona from Sevilla in July 2022. The Frenchman has transformed from a dominant centre-back into an enterprising right-back, excelling in his new role in the last few seasons.
The 26-year-old has turned out over 100 times thus far for Barcelona while chipping in with six goals and 17 assists. Meanwhile, Kounde’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe.
Premier League bigwigs, in particular, have been keen on signing the French international for several years, with recent reports linking him with Chelsea. Manchester United will be one of the prospective suitors vying for the Barcelona defender’s signature heading into the summer transfer window.
Premier League adventure beckoning?
Manchester United’s interest in Jules Kounde is understandable. The Red Devils are scouring the market for a versatile defender heading into the summer transfer window. While Kounde has excelled as a right-back for Barcelona, he can also be an option in Ruben Amorim’s back three at Manchester United.
In addition, the 26-year-old Frenchman should be an upgrade on the current options for the right wing-back berth. Fichajes has claimed that Manchester United are ready to break the bank by coughing up €80 million to secure his services in the summer transfer window. However, FC Barcelona will resist the temptation to sell Kounde in the coming months.
Despite their well-known financial issues, the Catalan giants do not want to part ways with the French international anytime soon. So, it will be interesting to see if Manchester United can turn Kounde’s head to get closer to a deal worth €80 million to land him.
