Julen Lopetegui provides update on why Jules Kounde did not join Chelsea this summer
According to an interview done with Diario de Sevilla (h/t Fabrizio Romano), Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui has provided an update on why Jules Kounde failed to join Chelsea this summer.
The Stamford Bridge outfit were keen on bolstering their defensive options this summer, despite the fact that they had Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, Kurt Zouma, and Trevoh Chalobah in their ranks.
However, since then, Zouma has been sold to West Ham United while the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva are in the final year of their contracts. Thus, a move for Kounde could have been made to shape the long-term future of the club at the back.
The move seemed to be close at one point in time when the Blues also agreed personal terms with the Frenchman, but it never materialized. Although Chelsea tried to make a late move for the 22-year-old, a difference in valuation emerged between the two clubs resulting in Kounde remaining at Sevilla.
Julen Lopetegui recently provided an update on the centre-back in an interview with Diario de Sevilla (h/t Fabrizio Romano). He said:
“Koundé didn’t join Chelsea because our Sevilla board decided it was the right thing to do, based on the value of the offers. For me it’s positive – he’ll perform again at top level”.
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While that is the case, it was also said earlier this month that Kounde was furious with the Sevilla board for not sanctioning his move.
However, Chelsea would not bother too much about this as they have enough depth in this area this season, while they also filled a priority position in their squad by signing another central midfielder in Saul Niguez on a loan deal.
