Manchester United are “very interested” in signing Barcelona defender Jules Kounde
manchester united have identified Barcelona Defender Jules Kounde as a possible central defense target next summer. transfer window, according to Spanish publication Sport through Sun.
It's not just Kounde who is on the Red Devils' shortlist. The report adds that, in addition to the Frenchman, Manchester United also has EvertonJarrad Branthwaite and Gleison Bremer of Juventus on their radar. However, as things stand, it appears the Barcelona player is the priority, with the report saying they are “very interested” in signing Kounde this summer.
Kounde to Barcelona in the summer of 2022 was one of the most interesting transfer sagas. In what appears to be an intense series of negotiations, the Spanish giants managed to overcome Chelsea sign the prestigious French defender for a fee of around 50 million euros.
During his time at the club, Kounde has been solid, if not spectacular. However, the most interesting thing is that the former Sevilla player has barely had the opportunity to occupy his preferred centre-back position with Xavi Hernández, who has used him extensively as a right-back until now. The fact that Barcelona have a large number of centre-backs at their disposal but almost no right-backs has forced Xavi to play there with the 25-year-old.
However, to be fair to Kounde, although he could clearly express that he does not want to play in that position, he is very solid at right back and offers a lot in both attack and defence. That said, the Frenchman could consider leaving Barcelona in the summer to find a club that will give him a long rope in his preferred position.
The perfect substitute for Raphael Varane?
It is understandable that Manchester United need a central signing in the summer. Lisandro Martínez has barely appeared this season due to successive injuries. Raphael Varane also missed much of the first half of the campaign, but is playing regularly today.
Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof do not inspire much confidence as central defenders. With Varane's contract expiring in the summer and the player yet to renew his contract, there is a possibility of him leaving the club. If that happens, or even if it doesn't, Man Utd need a top-class centre-back.
Enter Jules Koundé. The Barcelona player has everything it takes to be one of the best centre-backs in Europe. In addition, the coach can also call on his services at right back. He would be the 'perfect replacement for Raphael Varane' at Man Utd. Transfer market values Kounde at around £51.2m and he would be an excellent signing if United could acquire him at that price.
Ideally, Barcelona would not want to sell someone like Koundé. However, taking into account its precarious financial situation, it is very likely that the club will be forced to sell players. In such a scenario, the 25-year-old player becomes one of the Catalan club's most profitable assets.
There is no doubt that the Spanish giants will demand much more than Kounde's market value to part ways with him, considering his age, talent and the fact that he is under contract until 2027. However, from Manchester United's perspective, it would be worth the grief. taking the bait as Kounde brings a lot to the table. Let's wait to see what the club thinks of this situation in the summer.
