Sevilla coach Lopetegui explains why Kounde didn’t join Chelsea

Julen Lopetegui might be one of the only people involved in the Jules Kounde transfer saga who was left happy with the end result, which was that Chelsea didn’t sign the centre-back. It had been expected that Kounde would move to the European champions, but Sevilla held out for the value of the player’s release clause, which was €80m, and the Blues weren’t willing to go that high.

Reports in the hours following deadline day claimed that the player himself was furious, as he thought he’d already played his last game for Sevilla by not travelling with the team for their most recent LaLiga fixture away at Elche. There was discontent at Chelsea too over the way the negotiations – or lack of them – had developed. Sevilla sporting director Monchi will be glad to keep a talented player, but he may have expected a top club to have triggered the €80m clause this summer.

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So, the happiest of all is Lopetegui, the coach who’ll be able to pick Kounde for his starting line-ups in 2021/22. Speaking to the Diario De Sevilla, Lopetegui has discussed the Kounde transfer saga and outlined why the player is remaining in Andalusia.

“Kounde ended up staying because the club decided that this was the correct thing to do, based on the value of the offers that were there,” Lopetegui told the local newspaper.

“For me, as the coach, it’s positive that Kounde is staying. Without a doubt. Strong squads are built by having players in all the positions and it’s great to have him there, with the way he has already grown over these past two years. We are confident that he’ll continue to grow with us and keep performing, which is the most important thing.”

Kounde’s cryptic tweet

Despite the reports of his frustration at not moving to Chelsea, Kounde hasn’t had much time to sulk. He was with the France squad on deadline day and was then sent off in the 1-1 draw with Bosnia.

He then posted a mysterious tweet, stating “You know the price of everything but the value of nothing”.

Later, the active social media user added another tweet to clarify that he wasn’t referring to his transfer situation. “Chill, it’s just lyrics, really not that deep,” he added.

For now, Kounde will try to focus on doing what he does best, which is dominating opposition forwards in the Sevilla penalty area. The Spanish side have a winnable Champions League group, with RB Salzburg, Lille and Wolfsburg the opponents, so Kounde and co. will believe they can make it to the last 16.