Fabrizio Romano claims Tottenham have opened talks to sign Jules Kounde

By Will Butcher

Fabrizio Romano has told his Here We Go podcast that Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer. The Frenchman has been excellent since joining the Spanish club in 2019. Now, Romano says talks are underway for the 22-year-old defender.

Kounde broke into the Bordeaux side having come through the academy and after 70 appearances – he joined Sevilla in 2019. In just two seasons under Julen Lopetegui, he has played 89 times for Sevilla – winning the Europa League. He helped them qualify for the Champions League in 20-21.

Last week, Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Kounde is on the shortlist of Fabio Paratici – Tottenham’s new sporting director. Romano has told his podcast that now, Kounde is in talks with Tottenham over a move. The Mail say he has a £78million release clause.

“Kounde could be an opportunity,” Romano said. “Also for Manchester United are in the list. Tottenham are considering a move, they are in contact with his agents. For sure Tottenham will do something in defence, right-back and centre-back. In the next weeks.”

Kounde would be a sensational bit of business for Tottenham

But do they really stand a chance? Kounde is set to play in the Champions League for Seville next season. Tottenham, meanwhile, have only qualified for the Europa Conference League. But finances could prove tempting. Recently, Spurs saw a “dizzying” offer rejected for Lopetegui.

While is was rejected, it shows that Spurs are able to offer more money than Sevilla. So, if Kounde is tempted financially, then Spurs could profit. But it is hard to see in any other way why Kounde would consider leaving Sevilla this summer – especially to Tottenham.