Sevilla furious with Jules Kounde for putting Chelsea transfer at risk but still hope Blues will pay £69m release clause

Posted Wednesday, June 15, 2022 by Thesun.co.uk

JULES KOUNDE’S dream move to Chelsea has been rocked by an injury storm.

The £70million-rated Sevilla defender underwent surgery on Tuesday on an old pelvic problem which flared up on international duty on Monday.

Jules Kounde's move to Chelsea is now in danger after the Sevilla defender picked up an injury while playing for France

Kounde fears that although the op is minor it could still affect his chances of securing a big-money transfer to the Prem this summer.

And Sevilla are privately fuming that Kounde opted to play for France against Croatia in the Nations League, while carrying the knock and risking the deal.

Kounde, 23, has been a long-time target of Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel who just failed to clinch the centre half’s signature during the January transfer window.

Tuchel wants him to replace Antonio Rudiger who joined Real Madrid on a free.

Chelsea have also lost Andreas Christensen, leaving them short at the back.

Sevilla plan to hold out for the full £69m release clause in Kounde’s deal.

And they hope to get a deal done quickly despite the uncertainty over his fitness.

A club statement read: “Kounde will undergo an operation on Tuesday in Bordeaux for a minor pelvis injury.

“If everything goes as expected, the French international will be available for the start of the 2022-23 season.”

Chelsea are due back for pre-season training on July 2.