Pranav Nair
Transfer News: Manchester United could sign Jules Kounde for around £50m
According to The Sun, Manchester United have been given some good news regarding Jules Kounde heading into the summer window.
The 22-year-old is seen as a major target by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian is keen to bring in a new centre-back to partner skipper Harry Maguire in the heart of the United defence.
Kounde continues to impress in Spain and even played a key role in Sevilla’s Europa League success last season. The Spaniard eliminated United at the semifinal stage on their way to glory.
A major hurdle was expected to be Sevilla’s massive asking price. The La Liga side wanted £70m up front with clauses and add-ons included on top of that.
Such a deal would have bled through United’s summer budget, leaving little space for the club to manoeuvre otherwise. Thankfully, the club has now been given new hope regarding the French star.
He could now be available for as low as £50m. Whether this is inclusive of bonuses and other add-ons remains unclear. Such a deal would represent value for a player who could become a mainstay for us in the next decade.
Kounde was close to joining Manchester City last summer. Thankfully, the deal fell through. According to the report, the player has an £87.4m release clause inserted into his £70,000-a-week Sevilla contract that runs until 2024.
The Red Devils are willing to double his pay along with further incentives for appearances, clean sheets and winning trophies.
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Victor Lindelof remains inconsistent while Eric Bailly’s future at the club remains uncertain. Either way, bringing in a new defender is high on the agenda and there are few better prospects available than Kounde.
Whether we will eventually get our man remains to be seen.
