Manchester United are expected to strengthen their defender in the summer and one name being linked with a move to Old Trafford is Barcelona’s versatile defender Jules Kounde.
It doesn’t come as a surprise when you think of the type of players United have needed this season. How many times could Erik ten Hag have done with a top class defender who is equally good at full-back and centre-back.
And, no, this isn’t Victor Lindelof that we’re talking about.
According to a report in today’s edition of SPORT, as cited by Sport Witness, both Manchester United and Chelsea are ‘very, very interested’ in signing Kounde, who was previously regarded a club target when he played for fellow La Liga side Sevilla.
It is suggested that the Frenchman could be ‘sacrificed’ by Barcelona this summer, with the club under pressure to keep on top of its finances and sales are said to be a priority – presumably so long as Ten Hag doesn’t ask for Frenkie de Jong?
Kounde has made 35 appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring two goals and registering four assists.
United need a world-class defensive addition
The Reds are being linked with several top defenders ahead of the transfer window. We’ve had an array of names top up in the gossip columns from Ligue 1, Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, as well as the highly sought-after Antonio Silva at Benfica.
Kounde has more experience in the Premier League and people are bound to ask the same questions about dealing with the Premier League’s physicality as Lisandro Martinez, which has rarely proved to be an issue.
Let us know which defender you think United should be prioritising at the end of the season.
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