“No doubt”- Former Blues player urges Chelsea to sign 23-year-old La Liga ace

Gus Poyet urges Chelsea to sign Sevilla star Jules Kounde

Speaking to Genting Casino (h/t Football.London), former Chelsea player Gus Poyet has asked the club to secure the signature of Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde,

Poyet managed the player during his time in charge of Bordeaux and has given him the seal of approval. Kounde has since gone on to develop into one of the best young defenders in all of Europe.

The Frenchman’s performances did not go unnoticed and he attracted considerable interest from Thomas Tuchel’s side in the summer. A move to Stamford Bridge failed to materialize as the Blues were unable to meet the £68.5million valuation.

Kounde is a commanding presence at the back for the La Liga club and has garnered 15 appearances for them this season. He had previously helped Sevilla secure the UEFA Europa League title in 2020, beating Inter Milan in the final.

“Jules Kounde played 90 minutes in every game he played for me. Jules was a very good professional from a young age – at 19, he was already assuming responsibilities. I think he’s got the quality to come to a top team in England – I’ve got no doubt.”

Poyet revealed how the 23-year-old used to play the full 90 minutes while he was a youngster. He is adamant that the French ace will succeed at a top club in the Premier League and hopes that it will be Chelsea. Poyet also appraised Kounde’s professionalism and motivation to get better.

“And if it’s Chelsea – even better, because I would like to see him, and I would like him to play for Chelsea. He wants to improve all the time, he listens to the coach, he wants to train. He is very powerful, a very special boy, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s coming to England next summer.”

The Chelsea defence has been impeccable this season and has conceded just four goals in the league so far. The defensive turnaround under Tuchel is one of the major reasons why the team is a force to be reckoned today.

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However, four of our defenders could become free agents in the summer, and the situation is a concern going forward. It will be no easy task to replace the likes of Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger should they leave the club in the summer.

Securing Kounde will however be a step in the right direction. Given the Frenchman’s age, he can also become a long term option for the club to build their defence around.