Real Madrid Transfers: Ranking the competitors for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde this summer
Jules Kounde is one of the most sought after youngsters in world football currently. The 22-year-old has made a name for himself over the past two seasons at Sevilla and is now wanted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid.
Los Blancos will be in the market for another centre-back this summer after Sergio Ramos’ departure. Raphael Varane could also be following the captain to the exit door shortly which would force Madrid into purchasing a centre-back.
The club recently signed David Alaba on a free transfer from Bayern Munich and now have their eyes set on Jules Kounde and Pau Torres. Two of Europe’s brightest centre-backs at the moment.
While Real Madrid desperately require a player like Kounde this summer in their squad, it will be a difficult task to sign the 22-year-old given the intense competition in the pandemic struck transfer market.
Kounde, who is on a contract until 2024 with Sevilla, is currently valued at 60 million euros on the transfer market, as per transfermarkt, the Andalusian’s will certainly look to sell their star defender for a lot more. With that being said, let’s have a look at some of the club’s that might compete to sign Jules Kounde this summer.
3. REAL MADRID
Let’s start with the least favourites. Real Madrid could potentially face a defensive crisis if Raphael Varane follows the footsteps of former captain, Sergio Ramos. Ramos ended his 16-year association with the club after failing to reach an agreement over a new contract. Los Blancos have supposedly replaced the Spaniard with David Alaba but could struggle in terms of depth if Varane moves this summer which seems very likely.
With that being said, Marca’s Jose Felix Diaz reports that Carlo Ancelotti has been informed of Real Madrid’s transfer policy for the summer. Los Blancos are only targeting their financial resources towards signing either Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland or Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe this summer.
That makes Los Blancos the obvious last choice in the race to sign Jules Kounde. It’s no brainer that Madrid are conversing all their financial strength for Haaland or Mbappe as either signing would cost well above 150 million euros.
Kounde on the other hand, will certainly not be an affordable signing with Sevilla demanding 80 million euros and the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United showing serious interest.
So that ultimately means that the signing of Kounde this summer seems highly unlikely for Real Madrid. It will be a battle between Chelsea and Manchester United for the 22-year-old, while Los Blancos continue their optimistic attempt at signing two of the best forwards in Europe.