Huge Dalot Upgrade Man Utd sign Jules Kounde in 2027

Manchester United are in contact with Barcelona about signing 27‑year‑old French right‑back Jules Kounde, a move described as a huge Dalot upgrade for the Red Devils as they look to revamp a defence under scrutiny in the 2026‑27 season.

Why United need a new right‑back

Diogo Dalot has been criticised for suspect defensive moments this term, and United have conceded eight goals in five league games, including two each against Hull City and Everton. The club’s backline, largely built on players signed in 2019 or earlier, has struggled, prompting calls for an elite replacement.

Intermediaries have alerted United to Kounde’s potential availability in 2027 after falling down the pecking order at Barcelona under Hansi Flick. The Frenchman, a regular for the France national side, has been used mainly at right‑back this season and praised by teammate Lamine Yamal as the ‘best right‑back in the world’.

Competing interest and market context

Premier League rivals Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have also been contacted about Kounde, with reports suggesting a move could materialise as early as January. Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea are reportedly keen, and the player himself has expressed interest in a switch to Stamford Bridge.

United’s midfield and attack have been bolstered in recent windows, but the defensive area remains a priority. Adding Kounde would give manager Erik ten Hag a proven Premier League‑ready defender who can also operate in central defence.

Background on the source and reporting

The story was first reported by Reuters, citing senior editor James Beavis of GIVEMESPORT. Beavis, a graduate of Southampton Solent University with a Sports Journalism degree in 2012, has spent more than a decade in online football media.

He joined Football FanCast in 2016 after three years at Shoot Magazine, progressing from freelance writer to editor before moving to GMS in 2020. Beavis has cultivated strong relationships with top journalists such as Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs, regularly chatting with them as part of an exclusives initiative.

These connections help surface transfer rumours like United’s pursuit of Kounde, underscoring the role of outlets such as GiveMeSport in disseminating insider information.