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Man Utd Ditch Kim And Rival Chelsea For Star Defender, Pochettino Fumes

Published

2 years ago

May 27, 2023

Man Utd Ditch Kim And Rival Chelsea For Star Defender, Pochettino Fumes

In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United have decided to redirect their attention away from Kim Min-jae and instead prioritize their pursuit of Chelsea target Jules Kounde, potentially sparking frustration for Mauricio Pochettino and the London club.

Manager Erik ten Hag is preparing for his second summer transfer window at the helm of the Red Devils, which could mark a historic period of spending for the club.

As talks of a takeover gather momentum, Ten Hag is laying the groundwork for his rebuilding project, targeting four marquee signings across multiple positions.

While the need for a new striker has been well-documented, United are also in the market for a midfielder, a right-back, and a center-back.

The latter position, in particular, has become a priority as they seek to find a suitable replacement for Harry Maguire.

Initially, United had expressed strong interest in acquiring the services of Kim Min-jae from Napoli.

The South Korean defender possesses an enticing release clause that becomes active for a two-week period in early July, allowing interested clubs to secure his signature for a mere €50m.

However, recent reports from Spain indicate that United’s focus has shifted towards Jules Kounde. The Barcelona star, who predominantly operates as a center-back but has showcased his versatility by featuring as a right-back for much of the season, has attracted significant attention from Ten Hag’s side.

Kounde’s ability to fulfill multiple defensive roles makes him an enticing prospect for United, who could potentially address two positions with a single signing.

The 24-year-old Frenchman is valued at €70m, and United have reportedly initiated contact with Barcelona to inquire about his availability.

With Barcelona needing to generate funds, there is speculation that Kounde could be sacrificed in the upcoming transfer window.

This development is likely to frustrate Chelsea, as Kounde was believed to be Pochettino’s primary target for Stamford Bridge.

However, the absence of European football, including the coveted UEFA Champions League, poses a significant challenge for the Argentine manager and could jeopardize their chances of securing the French defender.

While rumors circulated that Kounde was pushing for a move away from Barcelona to secure a place in the French national team for the 2024 European Championships, the player himself has dispelled these claims.

Taking to Twitter, Kounde clarified his stance, stating, “To make it clear, at no time did I ask to leave, and I’m not going anywhere.”

Despite Kounde’s statement, there is an acknowledgment within Barcelona that the defender may not be entirely content.

Xavi, the newly appointed Barcelona manager, confirmed having a conversation with Kounde regarding his future, but assured that both parties emerged from the discussion in a positive state.

As Manchester United continue to shape their summer transfer plans, the decision to pursue Jules Kounde instead of Kim Min-jae has added another layer of intrigue to the club’s offseason dealings.

With both United and Chelsea vying for Kounde’s signature, the race to secure the highly-rated defender’s services promises to be an exciting storyline to follow in the coming months.

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