Aniket Rai
Manchester United linked with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde
A report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (h//t Manchester Evening News) states that Manchester United have ear-marked Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde as a defensive signing in the summer of 2021.
A move for a defender is more likely in the summer as compared to the January transfer window. And the 22-year-old Kounde is now a subject of interest from the Red Devils.
Manchester United have looked good going forward this season. However, the team has been susceptible to defensive lapses.
This has cost United dearly this season as the team has a poor home record and exited the UEFA Champions League in the group stages after a 3-2 loss to German team RB Leipzig in early December.
Leaking Goals
United are second in the league table thanks to a late win against Wolves earlier this week. However, the team has conceded the most league goals out of any team in the top 10 with 23.
In comparison, Sevilla have done really well with the young Frenchman in their backline. The team has conceded just 7 goals in 11 leagues, keeping 6 clean sheets and losing just once. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Kounde also has a lot of footballing years ahead of him. At 22, he could prove to be a great long-term signing.
In the short term, he could start games and provide much-need competition to Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof. As of now, the two are Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s two most trusted centre-backs.
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However, competition is heavy in that department of the pitch. Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones have not been afforded a lot of minutes and Eric Bailly has been in and out of the team due to injuries.
In such a scenario, the interest in signing a young and proven defender like Kounde makes sense.
