Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing Jules Kounde, a target for Real Madrid and Chelsea, in a €90 million deal this month.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Jules Kounde has popped up on the radar of Liverpool over a move in the January transfer window. The Reds are prepared to shell out €90 million to secure the services of the Sevilla defender, a target for Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Jules Kounde has become one of the most highly-rated defenders in Europe since joining Sevilla from Bordeaux in July 2019. The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the best defenders in La Liga in the last two and a half years while also establishing a foothold in the French national side.
Kounde has made 113 appearances for Sevilla to date, with his stock constantly rising during this time. The French international’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Real Madrid and Chelsea hold a long-standing interest in Kounde, having been linked with him last summer. Chelsea, in particular, seemed to be close to signing the Sevilla defender, but a move failed to materialise.
The continued interest from Real Madrid perhaps stems from a lack of competition for David Alaba and Eder Militao, with Nacho only a backup option. The Spanish giants thus need to sign a central defender at the earliest opportunity, making Kounde a viable target, although recent reports have claimed that the Merengues are no longer prioritising his transfer.
On the other hand, Chelsea’s urgency to secure the services of Kounde is a direct result of Antonio Rudiger’s uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. With Rudiger linked with several European bigwigs, including Real Madrid, Chelsea must bring in a replacement, with Kounde a key target. Personal terms are unlikely to be an issue, although Liverpool’s entry into the picture complicates matters.
The interest from Liverpool is surprising, considering they signed Ibrahima Konate last summer. With the Frenchman showing promising signs thus far, there does not appear to be any need for Liverpool to enter the transfer market. However, the Reds are prepared to launch the offensive for Kounde over a January move, with a €90 million offer readied.
Liverpool’s readiness to trigger Kounde’s €90 million release clause should put Real Madrid and Chelsea on the back foot. However, the rumour seems to be absurd, if anything and Chelsea could well be the actual front-runner in the race to sign the 23-year-old.