Sevilla’s Jules Kounde spoke to Canal Football Club about interest from the Premier League earlier this summer.
The 22-year-old central defender is one of the most sought after young defenders in world football at the moment. His performances for the Spanish side last term were beyond brilliant and he played a big part in helping Sevilla win the Europa League.
Kounde’s displays attracted lots of big clubs around Europe. Liverpool have been the latest side credited with an interest in him (90Min), but Jurgen Klopp’s arch-rival Pep Guardiola was the first to make a move for the young defender.
The Frenchman claimed that he spoke to the Manchester City boss over a potential move this summer and admitted that he wanted to join them. However, a move didn’t materialise and Guardiola signed Ruben Dias instead.
Kounde could have been a Blue
Kounde said: “Yes, I spoke with Guardiola on the phone. We did it in Spanish. It went well and I was interested in going there, I had guarantees to play. But in the end it didn’t happen.”
Manchester City no longer need a central defender. That should make Liverpool’s pursuit of Kounde a lot easier, and they could certainly do with a player of his quality in January.
The Reds will be without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez for the next few months, which is a massive blow. Joel Matip has been prone to injuries over the years and playing him every week is not a smart option.
Fabinho can play at the back and he has been brilliant. However, the Brazilian’s best position is in the middle of the park, and the only way he can return to his natural role is if a quality central defender comes in.
Kounde is reportedly on Klopp’s wish list ahead of the January transfer window. The Frenchman would be a fantastic option, and getting him after Guardiola and City failed would make a deal even sweeter for Liverpool supporters.
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