Jules Kounde is a reported target for Manchester City, who may consider making a bid for the Sevilla defender.
The Telegraph are reporting that if Manchester City propose a deal, it may see Nicolas Otamendi head in the other direction.
Manchester City Considering Bid for Jules Kounde
Kounde Excelled for Sevilla Last Season
Young Frenchman Kounde would certainly not be viewed as a prospect for the future if he were to move to the Etihad in this window. The 21-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2019/20 season in La Liga, making 29 appearances as his side comfortably finished in the top four. Sevilla ended the campaign ten points clear of fifth-placed Villarreal.
Kounde was an integral part of a team that lost only six games in the league all season. Only Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were defeated on fewer occasions.
Additionally, Kounde made nine appearances over the course of Sevilla’s triumphant Europa League campaign. His two appearances in the Copa del Rey brought his total to 40 matches across all competitions in a season which brought him to the attention of Manchester City.
If he were to complete a transfer to join Pep Guardiola‘s side this season, Kounde would be competing with the likes of Aymeric Laporte and new signing Nathan Ake for a starting berth at centre-back.
Nicolas Otamendi Mentioned in Possible Swap Deal
A touted offer for Kounde could spell the end of Nicolas Otamendi’s Manchester City career. The Argentina defender joined the club from Valencia in 2015 and could be set to move back to La Liga as a part of any deal for the young Frenchman.
Otamendi has racked up 210 appearances for Manchester City, twice winning the Premier League. However, he has often failed to win over fans and managers during his time in Manchester and has fallen down the pecking order following the arrival of Ake from Bournemouth.
The 32-year-old made 24 appearances in the top flight last season as City relinquished their title to Liverpool.
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