December 22, 2020, Valencia, Valencia, Spain: Jules Kounde of Sevilla during the La Liga Santander mach between Valencia and Sevilla at Estadio de Mestalla on 22 December, 2020 in Valencia, Spain Valencia Spain - ZUMAa181 20201222_zaa_a181_050 Copyright: xMariaxJosexSegoviax
According to an earlier report from The Sun, Manchester United added Jules Kounde to their transfer wishlist for January. The Red Devils want to add a defender to their ranks to shore up their defence and have identified the Sevilla youngster as the player to do so.
Born in France, Kounde spent time at the academies of Landiras, Cerons and La Brede before joining Bordeaux’s youth system. He made his senior bow in the 2017/18 campaign and went on to make 70 appearances for the club before joining Sevilla in a £22m deal last summer.
Since his arrival in Spain, he has established himself as one of the best young defenders in La Liga and was impressive for the Andalusian outfit last season. He made 40 appearances last season, helping them finish in the top four and also lift the Europa League (source – Transfermarkt).
Kounde has started this season positively as well, with 18 appearances and 2 goals in all competitions. The youngster is a part of the France U-21 side and has made 4 appearances so far, scoring once.
The Red Devils might have brought some semblance to their season after a good end to 2020, which boosted them up to 2nd place in the league. However, a lot of it has been due to their exemplary attack led by the talismanic Bruno Fernandes. United have often conceded goals, only for their attack to bail them out.
One can’t help but feel their Champions League exit was down to some bad defending in their three losses. They just needed to keep one clean sheet from their last two games but managed none. It is clear that if they are to make something of this season, they will need to bring in a central defender in January.
Jules Kounde looks like a player who can solve those issues for United. He is a young, agile and a strong defender. His age suits the club’s criteria of signings and would be a long-term solution for their problems if he gets going. An instrumental part of Sevilla’s Europa League triumph last season, he has the winning mentality that United could use.
Kounde could be a very useful addition for the Red Devils as they attempt to sort out their defence. His mobility would complement Maguire’s style of play well. Prising the £82million-rated defender will not be easy nor cheap but Kounde will be a long-term solution for their defensive issues.