Report: Real Madrid have begun negotiations with Jules Koundé

According to reports in France, Real Madrid have not only established initial conversations with French defender and Sevilla star Jules Koundé, but their interest in signing him has ‘accelerated’.

The futures of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane are still in limbo. It’s unclear whether Ramos will sign a new contract and give in to Real Madrid’s frame, or if Varane will push for a sale to another club. Even with the imminent signing of David Alaba, if both Ramos and Varane leave, the club would be spread thin at center-back, so it would make sense to sign someone like Koundé to help juggle the rotation with Eder Militao, Nacho Fernandez and Alaba. Alaba, like Nacho, likely won’t be a full-time center-back anyway, and will need to fill in multiple positions.

The report states that Sevilla are anticipating the departure of Koundé this summer, and are already looking at his replacement. Real Madrid, meanwhile, would like to negotiate with Sevilla and lower the 90m release clause it would take to purchase the Frenchman. The two clubs have good relations, so it’s possible that the two clubs can agree to something lower. The trouble will be that Real won’t be the only club competing for his signing.