Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has revealed that summer’s failed transfer to Chelsea affected him mentally; the Frenchman was thought to be on his way to London before late complications arose between the two clubs.
“Did my failed transfer to Chelsea this summer affect me? Yes, a little bit, but now it’s digested,”
the Frechman told Telefoot.
Reports during the summer indicated a breakdown in talks between Chelsea and Sevilla over Kounde’s price tag. The Blues tried to include players in any potential deal for the Frenchman and were thought to have struck an agreement with Sevilla for a relatively lower fee.
However, later reports revealed that the La Liga side broke off negotiations after their desired demands weren’t met. It is believed that Sevilla decided to hold out for a fee closer to Kounde’s release clause, which the Blues were unwilling to match.
While Chelsea had a clear run to Kounde in the summer, new reports reveal that they will face competition for the Frenchman should they return for him in the future. As per Todo Fichajes, Manchester United are showing an interest in the centerback, who they want to bring in to replace the under-fire Harry Maguire.
The Red Devils spent a considerable amount this summer on central defender Raphael Varane – a World Cup winner with France – who arrived from Real Madrid to partner the Englishman. However, while Varane have had trouble with injuries, Maguire’s form has tailed off following a successful 2020 Euro with England.
United are believed to be ready to trigger Kounde’s release clause and bypass any negotiations with Sevilla. The clause stands at 80 million euros – a figure Chelsea were unwilling to match in the summer.
