Chelsea are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde in the summer transfer window.
The Blues came close to signing the Frenchman from Sevilla last summer, only to pull back at the La Liga club’s £68.5m asking price. But despite missing out on the defender, the west London outfit are still determined to bring the player to Stamford Bridge.
According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has made the signing of Jules Kounde his no.1 priority in the summer. The Sevilla star is not the only candidate but still appreciated by the Blues’ hierarchy after the deal collapsed last year, Romano tweeted.
Kounde, 23, has been a key performer for Sevilla this season, bagging a goal and an assist in 27 games across all competitions. The France international has made 19 appearances in La Liga, as Julen Lopetegui’s side sit second in the table.
Chelsea to revive interest in Jules Kounde—A smart move?
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is certain to take a dip in the transfer market for defensive reinforcements. Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are all out of contract at the end of the season, and if any of the club’s out-of-contract defenders leave, it is likely that the west London outfit will add more than one defender.
Recent reports have linked Chelsea with several defenders, including Jules Kounde, who was valued at €65/70m last summer by Sevilla. Having arrived at Sevilla from Bordeaux in the summer of 2019, Kounde has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s top young defenders. He has enjoyed another solid season with Rojiblancos, who are gunning for the La Liga title under Lopetegui.
Quick and robust, Kounde is known for his ball-carrying and tackling abilities. The Frenchman is a good reader of the game, great at 1v1 defending and competent in the air. He can go on mazy runs with the ball at his feet before making a telling pass or cross to one of his teammates.
The 23-year-old can also operate at right-back when required, and such sort of versatility makes him a boon to have in the squad. However, there are still a few aspects in Kounde’s game that needs fine-tuning, and working under a smart manager like Thomas Tuchel could help him in his development. All in all, at 23, the ex-Bordeaux man is ready to take the next step in his career by leaving the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
As Chelsea could find themselves in a potential defensive crisis come the end of the season, Tuchel is right in prioritising the need for strengthening his backline. And a player like Jules Kounde certainly fits the profile of players that the Blues are looking for as he has the makings of being a brilliant long-term addition to Tuchel’s squad.