Making sense of Manchester United targeting Jules Kounde in addition to Raphael Varane

Add as preferred source on Google

Amid the encouraging Raphael Varane transfer rumours emerging last night, a surprise report emerged too.

The Mail reported United want to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, in addition to Varane.

Kounde has been on United’s wishlist for a while since he starred against the Red Devils in the Europa League semi-final last year.

ESPN claimed he was on United’s radar last October, and The Mirror reported in February that he was the club’s top summer target. That has proved to be Raphael Varane.

But is he needed in addition to Varane?

Initial reaction to the Kounde report is to totally dismiss it. Why would United need another centre-back in addition to Varane?

Surely the money required to sign Kounde will be better spent on signing a midfielder? More later on the price Sevilla may be asking.

A move for Kounde would suggest United are not content with current centre-back options at fourth choice.

Eric Bailly may have signed a new contract but he also wants to play. The MEN reported he could have been used in a swap deal for Pau Torres, which says a lot about United’s willingness to part with him if a better option comes along.

Axel Tuanzebe is reported by MEN to be keen on a loan, and after an underwhelming pre-season display at the weekend, he may need it.

Kounde is a France international who at one stage looked like being good enough to be United’s number one target ahead of Varane. If we could get him in as well, the defence would be looking seriously strong.

The Mail claim United are also interested in Kounde because of his versatility to play right-back. This could give the club an excuse not to sign Kieran Trippier. A move for Kounde could also hint at a possible switch to three at the back, which may explain the need for an extra-centre-back reinforcement.

Too good to turn down?

While we have our doubts as to whether (a) United need Kounde and (b) if the money would be better spent in midfield, the defender’s availability raises an interesting option for United.

Since United have focused on Varane in recent months, Kounde has been in demand.

Earlier in the summer, Sevilla were said to be looking for upwards of £60 million for the defender, AS reported.

Tottenham made a play to sign him, but Marca reported that he rejected them point blank and did not wish to negotiate.

Di Marzio claimed Sevilla had accepted an offer of £25.5 million plus Davinson Sanchez in a player plus cash offer, before Kounde called negotiations to a halt.

This provides a blueprint for United to sign Kounde on the cheap.

A swap deal of cash plus Eric Bailly is likely to appeal to Sevilla, on the basis they were willing to take Davinson Sanchez plus cash. Bailly is arguably a superior player with more experience.

Bailly is currently at the Olympics, but when he returns, there is a possibility he ends up being traded away so United can bring in Kounde.

• Five quotes about new Man Utd signing Youri Tielemans, from Pep Guardiola to Bryan Robson
• Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘transformation’ prediction to Man Utd fans is finally coming to forefront in big way
• Wayne Rooney recalls one Man Utd experience where Sir Alex Ferguson defied expectations of every player
• Forget Roy Keane, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s ‘much better’ myth must be addressed after criticism of Man Utd star
• Manchester United will finally sign Youri Tielemans 13 years on from first interest, and it’s not too late
• Why Michael Carrick’s tactics can ‘unlock’ Andrey Santos’ promising core ability that Chelsea deeply fumbled
• Man United learn Manu Kone asking price as Italian newspaper claim Roma reject £34m bid
• Youri Tielemans’ signing breaks Ineos’ transfer stance, it’s exciting news for Man Utd wonderkids
• What Youri Tielemans admitted about Man Utd shows one all-important attribute that he tapped into since 2019
• Ruben Amorim is behind the factor which attracted Andrey Santos to Man Utd, “The amazing…”
• When Andrey Santos can make his debut for Manchester United after completing £48m move
• The ‘smartest’ part of Ineos’ decision not to sign Mateus Fernandes for £85m has finally emerged for Man Utd fans
• Jason Wilcox’s ‘enormous’ Andrey Santos comments prove Man Utd’s new signing is perfect for Ineos
• Andrey Santos’ squad number at Manchester United has been confirmed
• Youri Tielemans playing style explained, how he fits alongside Andrey Santos and Kobbie Mainoo