The five clubs that want to sign €80m Kounde

Carlo Garganese

• 4 Jun 2021 09:56 BST
• 2 min read

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is among the most wanted men on the transfer market, with at least five major clubs vying for his signature this summer.

Kounde has developed into one of the most admired centre backs in Europe since joining Sevilla from Bordeaux two years ago.

READ MORE: Three signings in three days: How transformed Barca are shaping up for 2020/21

Manchester City tabled a big-money bid for the 2020 Europa League winner last year but failed to satisfy Sevilla’s demands.

According to Marca, there are now five big teams who are preparing bids this time around.

La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona both wish to strengthen their defensive departments.

Kounde high on Man Utd shortlist

Meanwhile, in the Premier League, Manchester United have Kounde high up on their shortlist as they will certainly sign a top centre back.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also keen to sign the 22-year-old but Sevilla have made it clear that Kounde will not leave unless his €80 million release clause is met.

Kounde admitted last week during a press conference at Clairefontaine that he will probably leave Sevilla this summer.

Kounde admits he will probably leave

“Regarding my future, it is certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer, but nothing has been finalised yet,” Kounde stated.

“I have not decided anything. My goal is to play in a big club to try to always progress and to win trophies. I might have to move, but that’s not relevant today.”

Kounde has been named in France’s Euro 2020 squad and will be hoping to help Didier Deschamps’ men to a European Championship and World Cup double.

He has made 88 appearances and scored six goals during his two seasons at Sevilla. He made his international debut against Wales earlier this week in a 2-0 win.