Real Madrid: The price for the top CB target may be too steep now
Real Madrid will likely target Jules Kounde above any other center back if they are to make a move for a young central defender in the summer 2021 transfer window. With money tight and Los Blancos focused on the attack, a signing is unlikely. If Real are to sign a center back this year, then they would likely settle for David Alaba on a free, in the event they were unable to keep Sergio Ramos.
But there is nothing wrong with looking toward the future, and Kounde is a player Los Blancos do not want to see slip away to another one of Europe’s elite. Though he is just 22, he is already one of La Liga’s best center backs and is as secure as they come.
Real are interested, but they are not the only notable club looking at the Sevilla star. A recent report from Jose A. Espina of AS states that Manchester United, Manchester City, and eternal rivals FC Barcelona are all interested in the French star.
Kounde’s release clause is set at 80 million euros. Based on the significant interest in the player around Europe, especially from City who have bottomless pockets, it wouldn’t be a surprise if someone activates his release clause. And Espina even writes that those in Sevilla do not “doubt” that some team will pay the 80 million. They had already rejected a bid of 55 million euros last summer from City, per the report.
Real Madrid have to be prepared to pay 80 million euros for Jules Kounde
So 80 million euros for Jules Kounde? Should Real Madrid take the plunge? I’m sure they would love to, but they do not have the funds to sign both Kounde for 80 million euros and either Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland for at least 100 million euros.
Even if they go the cheaper route with Haaland, they are still looking at a nine-figure signing. So add that in with Kounde, and you are looking at a 200 million euro commitment in terms of wages and transfer fee.
Next. Real Madrid's 5 Most Valuable Players Of The Last Decade. dark
Kounde seems like the perfect center back signing, and he is already world-class. In Kounde, a team could be getting 10 years of a top-three center back on the continent. City look like the favorites with their resources, but we’ll see if Real Madrid can use a trade chip to convince Sevilla to choose them over the rest.