Rijo Sam Daniel
Transfer News: Manchester United to use Edinson Cavani as bargaining tool for Jules Kounde of Sevilla
According to The Mirror (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United are plotting a move to use Edinson Cavani as a makeweight for Jules Kounde of Sevilla. This is amidst interest from the La Liga club for the services of the striker.
Cavani joined the Red Devils as a free agent after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired in 2020. After initially signing on a one year contract, an extension was agreed between both parties this summer. However, things took an unexpected turn after Cristiano Ronaldo made his return to Manchester.
The 34-year-old has scored 18 goals with six assists to his name from 47 appearances for Man United. But, with the arrival of Ronaldo, he is down the pecking order at the centre-forward position. And it looks like the hierarchy has made him dispensable in the coming transfer windows.
It is claimed that the Rojiblancos are interested in the Uruguayan and could be convinced to engage in a player swap deal for Kounde. The Glazers are pushing for the exchange and could be helped by the interest from the La Liga club.
While the United striker was used alongside Cristiano in Man United’s thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur, he is still considered expendable. The defensive woes at the back have hampered the results this season and have led to inconsistent results.
Some would be puzzled since the Uruguay international is one of those who defends through pressing his man. Arguably, some of the defensive issues are down to the lack of structure and intensity in pressures.
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Many fans have questioned the board for not purchasing a defensive midfielder in the summer which was necessary for balance in the squad.
With Cavani’s contract expiring in the summer, long-term planning in terms of signing the 23-year-old Jules Kounde would not be a shabby deal and if the Uruguayan goes the other way in this process, not much harm would be done considering the battalion of young forwards at Solskjaer’s disposal at the moment.
