Manchester United and Chelsea are in a similar position when it comes to where their troops are and how far they are from challenging for the Premier League; some big signings can be the difference, and this summer is crucial.
Promising center-back Jules Kounde has stood out in Sevilla and lost a number of top scorers since moving to southern Spain. 90min understands that Man Utd is seriously concerned about him, even though Chelsea is said to have joined the race according to new reports.
So we have analyzed all the key components behind a potential transfer and assessed where he would fit best.
Kounde was to be signed as Harry Maguire’s partner | Fran Santiago / Getty Images
If United were to sign him, it feels pretty clear that Kounde would join to form a partnership with £ 80 million captain Harry Maguire. With that comes a big responsibility to form a solid duo for a long-term title challenger, but also very guaranteed football.
Protocols would probably also be plentiful with Chelsea, although Kounde would compete with many defenders at the same level. Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen are already on the books and enjoy a lot of playing time. And if they can convince a seriously talented Fikayo Tomori to stay at the club after a loan deal with AC Milan, competition will increase further.
The guarantees for minutes are in Manchester.
Winner: Manchester United
Thomas Tuchel often changes to a back three | Marc Atkins / Getty Images
Kounde has formed a partnership with Diego Carlos in back four for Julien Lopateguis Sevilla. And although Chelsea are not opposed to starting with a back four under Thomas Tuchel, a three at the back system is often used. Kounde is of course good enough to adapt and has at 5ft10 height to fit to play in a back three.
Meanwhile, United very rarely move from the back four these days. Kounde would record alongside Maguire, along with regular backers Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw in a familiar set. Would it challenge his skills in the same way? No. But would it probably get more out of him and benefit all parties? Probably.
The only sticking point is that a left-footed midfielder is more ideal for United to allow right-footed Maguire to return to the right side of the defense. However, it is not a deal breaker, given that Kounde is capable on both feet and can similarly play in either of the two central positions. The Red Devils edge this – only.
Winner: Manchester United
Chelsea already have a French-speaking contingent in their defense | Marc Atkins / Getty Images
No, we’re not trying to suggest that Kounde is a big time Sally who will rock up and expect a red carpet in front of him all the time. But developing a good relationship with the squad is important, and it starts with understanding teammates.
Solskjaer has done a huge job of uniting the players in Manchester United and it finally feels like a team that is all tuned to the same frequency again after years of complete disconnection.
However, Tuchel has quickly done the same in Chelsea. The Blues’ defense also communicates in French, with Silva, Zouma and Edouard Mendy all speaking the language, as well as captain Cesar Azpilicueta. Kounde – a Frenchman born and raised – would thus find it much easier to settle there, rather than trying to understand a cluster of languages that surrounds him in United’s defensive stance.
Winner: Chelsea
Neither United nor Chelsea lack money, let’s be honest.
However, the Red Devils’ latest club restructuring and new recruitment policy suggest that they will not be as keen on throwing money away as it is on water, given the signing of Alexis Sanchez and many others before him.
Chelsea are not afraid to increase their financial strength. Last summer’s expenses showed that and the constant connections to Erling Haaland and Sergio Aguero continue. If Kounde wants a more lavish contract when he lives in London, Chelsea is definitely the way to go.
United will not exactly pay him by the hour, but there would likely be a touch of reluctance compared to the Blues.
Winner: Chelsea
Sunshine is based on United and Kounde may be the key Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Chelsea should be challenging for the Premier League with the squad they have and the money they have spent. And next season – with Tuchel in charge – it would be bitterly disappointing if they still weren’t. But for all chels success, it is often very explosive and can quickly be solved with how they chop and change bosses.
For the first time in a long time, United looks like a club with a more sustainable project with a more considered flight path to build a side that can compete regularly for many years to come. Again, it’s a big “if” but Kounde could easily be one of the key pieces of the puzzle to make it a reality at Old Trafford.
Winner: Manchester United
Take him home, United Road | CLIVE BRUNSKILL / Getty Images
Moving to one top over the other will probably not be unfortunate for Kounde, who is meant to be a top defender regardless.
However, a transfer to United suits him better at this stage of his career. He would fit perfectly in a side that wants to compete but also give younger players a chance. Sure, Chelsea undoubtedly have a better squad and a more experienced manager, but that does not guarantee sustainability and he can be in the dreaded loan cycle faster than buying a house in London.
Also keep in mind that United have clearly been keen on him for a while and would love him at the club, it makes more sense for the Frenchman to move to Old Trafford in the summer.
