Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Jules Kounde, who is valued at around €80 million, as they look to bolster their defence.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid have rekindled their pursuit of Jules Kounde over a potential move in next summer’s transfer window. The French international is valued at around €80 million, although the Spanish giants are hoping to get the price tag reduced by next year.
Jules Kounde has been a resounding success for Sevilla since arriving from Bordeaux in the summer of 2019. Over the last two years, the 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength, establishing himself as one of the best defenders on show in La Liga while also breaking into the French national side.
To date, Kounde has made 92 appearances for Sevilla, chipping in with six goals and two assists along the way. His progress has invariably attracted several top clubs across Europe to the French international, with Real Madrid being one of his suitors.
Real Madrid were one of the clubs to have been linked with Kounde in the summer, as they initially sought a replacement for Raphael Varane. However, Los Blancos chose not to enter the market for a centre-back in the final weeks of the transfer window, with Carlo Ancelotti keeping faith in the crop of centre-back options he already had at his disposal.
However, Real Madrid do appear to be in need of a central defender after appearing vulnerable at the back in the early stages of the 2021/22 season. With Nacho also on the wrong side of 30, the Merengues are reaching a situation wherein it will become imperative for them to sign a centre-back.
As a result, they have now turned their attention back to Kounde, although they are reluctant to meet his €80 million valuation, which happens to be his release clause. Real Madrid, though, are hoping to get his price tag reduced by next summer, although they have other alternatives in sight as well if they cannot land the French international.
Milan Skriniar and Antonio Rudiger are also on Real Madrid’s radar, although it seems as if Kounde could well be the priority to bolster their defensive unit. Having said that, it remains to be seen if Sevilla budge from the €80 million valuation, thereby paving the way for Real Madrid to sign the 22-year-old.