Manchester United have added Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde to their transfer shortlist, as per reports. The French defender impressed in his very first season with the Spanish club, helping the side to another Europa League title, and knocking the Red Devils out of the competition in the semi-final stage in the process.
As per ESPN, the Premier League side could sign a defender in the January transfer window if their defensive issues are not solved.
The report states that Sevilla value him at a price tag of €65 million to €70 million. Kounde joined Sevilla from Bordeaux in the 2019 summer transfer window for a fee of around €25 million.
Kounde still has four years remaining on his current deal at Sevilla.
Jules Kounde to Manchester United – Smashing grab if they can pull it off?
Jules Kounde had an impressive debut season for Sevilla in the 2019-20 season. He played in nine of the 12 Europa League games, and was a key part of the Sevilla side in La Liga too.
The 21-year-old centre-back impressed with his speed and aggression off the ball, pressing high up the pitch to win the ball back for his side. Kounde also showed his aerial prowess, averaging 3.2 aerial balls won per game in La Liga last season, and is an imposing presence at the back, standing in at six feet.
The Frenchman is only strong defensively, but like modern centre-back, likes to pass out from the back as well as drive up the pitch with the ball. Kounde displayed fantastic qualities offensively and defensively, and showed the potential that he has.
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Kounde could become a very good player in Europe in the future, but he may not be the right person to play in Manchester United’s backline. Prior to the signing of Harry Maguire, most of Manchester United’s centre-back signings were young defenders who had the potential to become very good Premier League defenders.
Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, and going as far back as Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, were players who had potential and were touted to be one for the future.
Kounde fits that bill, too, which is why he wouldn’t be a good fit for United at the moment. Manchester United need someone who can come into the starting XI to slot alongside Harry Maguire and make an instant impact. Kounde has had just one season in a top league like La Liga and needs to deliver consistently.
Manchester United should instead target a defender like Dayot Upamecano, who is the same age as Kounde, but has far more experience, be it in Bundesliga or Champions League.
Stats via Whoscored