The French defender was the subject of intense transfer speculation throughout the summer as Chelsea tried and failed with a bid to sign him from Spanish side Sevilla
Jules Kounde has opened up about his Sevilla future after a summer of transfer speculation that saw Chelsea fail with a bid to sign the France international.
Chelsea had agreed personal terms with Kounde but were unable to finalise a fee with Sevilla as they saw the asking price for the centre-back rise.
Kounde had been Chelsea’s prime central defensive target after they made space for him in their squad with the sale of Kurt Zouma to West Ham.
However, the Blues’ attempts to seal a late deal for the 22-year-old were in vein as their final bid fell short of Sevilla’s valuation.
Kounde has now commented on the rumours that had linked him with a move away from Spain in the summer as he spoke to the media ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Wolfsburg. “We all know the summer has been hectic, I wouldn’t say complicated. But that’s the past now,” he said in a press conference.
“I am focused on the team. The most important performance is on the pitch. The team needs me and I need the team too to give my best and that’s what I’m trying to do.
“So far I’m happy with the results of the team and my personal performances, although I can still improve and have a better season than the previous one.”
Kounde has played all bar one of Sevilla’s opening seven matches in all competitions as they currently sit unbeaten in third place in La Liga.
He played the full 90 minutes as they drew 1-1 at home to Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg in their European opener and is not concerned by the challenge Wolfsburg pose on matchday two.
“I don’t know if this is the most difficult team in the group. It does not concern us. We’ll see tomorrow,” explained Kounde.
“We basically have to focus on ourselves and play our game. Our first game was difficult and we made mistakes, but that’s the past.
“We have to focus on our next game which will also be a key game like any other in the Champions League. It is the most demanding competition. We have long forgotten this first game.”
His focus has remained on Sevilla despite the transfer links with the Premier League and this has not gone unnoticed by his team-mates.
Kounde’s centre-back partner Diego Carlos told AS earlier this week that: “Jules already had his head in Sevilla when he returned to play here. We are always aware of him and he is very happy here.”
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