Lopetegui says the English side failed to match the asking price of Sevilla which made the deal to be pulled off.
Chelsea were interested in bringing the France international to Stamford Bridge in the just ended transfer window.
The attempt to bolster Thomas Tuchel’s side with the defender could not materialize despite agreeing personal terms with the Frenchman.
Per the reports in the media, both clubs agreed on €50 million before the Spanish side renege on the initial fee and asked Chelsea to pay Kounde’s release clause in full.
The Blues were also reluctant to match Kounde’s release clause as they settled for their existing squad in defense for the 2021/2022 season.
In an interview with a Spanish paper, the former Spain and Real Madrid head coach revealed why the move collapsed.
“Kounde in the end has stayed because the club has decided that it was the right thing to do based on the evaluation of the offers they may have had,” Lopetegui told Diario de Sevilla.
“For me, as a coach, that Jules stays is positive. With the evolution he has had in these two years, it is positive, without any doubt.
“We trust that he’ll continue to grow with us and, above all, perform, which is the most important thing.”
