Sevilla now expect a Jules Kounde transfer to Chelsea after the English club’s bid of £55 million, according to Ben Jacobs and Fabrizio Romano. Kounde has already been described as a “mentality monster”, and at just 23 years of age, he could be the Blues’ main central defender for the next decade.
This move will mark the club’s second senior centre-back signing of the summer, following Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli through the doors of Cobham.
Jules Kounde Transfer to Chelsea Imminent: Why the Blues Want Him
Chelsea have submitted a new bid for Jules Koundé today: £55m fee, very good payment terms. Talks now ongoing with Sevilla on structure of the bid. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Koundé, still in direct talks with both Chelsea and Barcelona on personal terms – while clubs are discussing on details. pic.twitter.com/PwsYtDeTlv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2022
What Does Jules Kounde Offer?
Since last season, Chelsea have been interested in signing Jules Kounde, a 23-year-old centre-back currently playing at Sevilla. The London club’s pursuit of the Frenchman in the summer of 2021 saw failure after the La Liga side demanded that Chelsea pay Kounde’s entire release clause of £68 million. As the defender’s current contract expires in just two years, Sevilla have an interest in selling him for as much as they can before he loses value.
Jules Kounde is a centre-back who, following a three-year stint at Sevilla, is one of the most impressive youngsters in his position in world football. One of the main benefits of a club signing the young Frenchman is his passing. He has a pass completion rate of 88.9% and plays 3.67 progressive passes per 90. This fits in ideally with what Thomas Tuchel looks for, and as a side holding a lot of possession, Chelsea need defenders who use the ball well.
The Sevilla defender also provides a stronger attacking presence than many expect. With 1.54 touches in the opponent’s area per 90 and an aerial duel win rate of 65.8%, he is an ideal player going forwards. This is an excellent set of skills for a system featuring attacking centre-backs like Tuchel’s.
Why Do Chelsea Need Him?
Chelsea’s recent financial restrictions mean that their recruitment will be difficult this summer. For example, Antonio Rudiger’s free move to Real Madrid is thanks to contract expiry. The same applies to Andreas Christensen’s transfer to Barcelona, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso reportedly considering the same destination. This means that Chelsea need defensive reinforcements.
Not only does Kounde provide defensive strength, but the Frenchman offers a lot going forwards. His presence in the box is akin to that of Rudiger, making and receiving progressive passes all over the pitch. This offers an extra dimension to the way the team plays, adding attacking routes through a player as comfortable with the ball as he is off it.
The France international is also a versatile player, with experience of playing on the right-hand side of the defence, having lined up as a full-back both in La Liga and for his country. This flexibility provides cover for the potential loss of Azpilicueta.
Do Sevilla Need to Sell?
Although Sevilla have the defender under contract until 2024, the Spanish side plan to move him on quickly this summer. One of the main benefits of selling now for Sevilla is that a Jules Kounde transfer now means plenty of money for a replacement. He will have just one year left on his contract next year, meaning the club risk losing a lot of money by waiting. Completing this sale means that the club can reinvest in their squad, replacing the Frenchman for a profit and spending wisely throughout the squad. Los Rojiblancos already replaced Diego Carlos with Marcao for a profit. The club could look to do the same again.
