Chelsea transfer target Jules Kounde has reportedly ‘surprised’ everyone at Sevilla by turning up for their pre-season tour despite not being part of the squad.
The French international has been the subject of controversy over his future this summer. Although he has long been linked with a move away from his employers from the League, it now appears to be the time to move on.
Chelsea have had the most prominent long-term interest in Kounde after almost signing the centre-back last summer.
And after much speculation this summer, talk of a move to Stamford Bridge for him has increased in recent days.
That speculation increased on Thursday when it emerged that Sevilla had left him out of their squad for their pre-season trip to Portugal.
According to The Sun, however, Kounde has taken it upon himself to be part of the team.
The newspaper claims that the transfer has “surprised everyone” at Sevilla, who expected him to leave the club quietly.
But Kounde considers that he is not being “professional” by not participating in the pre-season while he still has a contract with Sevilla.
He therefore wants to be part of the traveling squad to Portugal for a match against Sporting Lisbon on Sunday.
Kounde’s move to Chelsea is not affected
Crucially for Chelsea though, The Sun add that Kounde is looking increasingly likely to move to the Blues.
A source with knowledge of the situation told the newspaper: “He is still very likely to join Chelsea. Everyone was shocked when Kounde got on the bus to Lagos.
“But he thinks he should be a ‘professional’ even if he is a Sevilla player.”
Kounde has reportedly agreed a five-year contract, while The Guardian reports that Chelsea will pay Sevilla £55m for him.
Barcelona still have a chance to sign the central defender and have urged Kounde to wait. They believe that, despite his lower offer at Sevilla, the player’s desire to move to the Camp Nou could be greater.
Kounde has taken center stage at Sevilla. The 23-year-old has won the Europa League, made 133 appearances and made the French national team.
Defender ready to go up
But he has given Sevilla everything he can and now needs to take a step forward in his career.
The centre-back would still be in the Champions League with Chelsea, as he has been with Sevilla, but would fancy his chances of winning it with the Premier League club.
Kounde also has the chance to prove himself in the English top flight.
Barcelona are trying to hijack Jules Kounde’s deal from Chelsea
Barcelona are trying to steal Jules Kounde from Chelsea because Sevilla CB are interested in Barça
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is in need of defensive reinforcements this summer following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, and needs players ready to step in immediately.
It will be a big move for Kounde if Chelsea finally seal it in the second summer transfer window of asking, but it’s one the player deserves for his recent promotion.