Varun Pai
Transfer News: Manchester United plotting to replace Harry Maguire with Sevilla star Jules Kounde
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t The Sun), Manchester United are planning on replacing Harry Maguire with Sevilla star Jules Kounde.
The Englishman has not been on his game for about three months now. The Red Devils may have started the season well, but their defence was still leaking goals. To put it into perspective, they have only managed 2 clean sheets across all competitions this campaign.
The addition of Raphael Varane was meant to strengthen the defence. The Frenchman has done his fair share of work as United have won four out of the 6 games he has featured in this season.
Thus, he does really not look like the problem at hand. Victor Lindelof has also looked like a calming presence at the back when he has deputised for Maguire or Varane. Eric Bailly produced good performances against Atalanta and Man City, despite his own goal in the latter match.
The Old Trafford outfit is eying a new partner for Varane, and they have found one in Jules Kounde. The Sevilla star was crucial to the club in their 2020 UEFA Europa League triumph and has not dropped a beat in the last two seasons.
Moreover, he already shares a good partnership with Varane from playing together for France. The duo recently led Les Bleus to UEFA Nations League glory. However, to sign him, they shall have to go through Chelsea.
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The Blues tried to sign the centre-back in the summer, but their £42.8million bid was rejected by the Spanish outfit. Moreover, Thomas Tuchel is likely to rekindle their interest in the player if Antonio Rudiger leaves in the summer.
Kounde recently admitted that the failed move to West London ‘affected him.’ This is thought to put the Manchester-based club in pole position to land his signature. Hence, it is down to United to pay the player’s release clause and lure him to Manchester to team up with his national compatriot.
