Manchester City tried to sign an FC Barcelona heavyweight according to Mundo Deportivo, which cited a report from RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins that relied on anonymous sources.
Jules Kounde was one of Joan Laporta’s main marquee signings during the famous summer of the ‘econonic levers’ back in 2022.
Chelsea was believed to be the frontrunner for the then-Sevilla center back, only for Barca to snatch him away at the last minute.
Though there have sometimes been reports about his discontent in having to play right back, Kounde has been a roaring success in the position and become one of the best in the world at playing it.
In the spring, he cemented his status as a modern-day Blaugrana legend by scoring an extra time Copa del Rey final winner against Real Madrid in his past-adopted hometown Seville and there are many Culers that believe Barca might have advanced to the Champions League final had he been available for the semifinal second leg lost 4-3 to Inter Milan.
On the brink of a new season, there is talk of Kounde renewing his initial five-year contract in Catalonia which expires in 2027.
According to Mundo Deportivo, extending Kounde’s terms is something that is “near”, and a key development that Barca would like to see tied up before the transfer window closes on August 30 if everything is OK on the Financial Fair Play (FFP) side of things.
Because of his strong form, however, it is unsurprising that big clubs around the rest of Europe have tried to turn the 26-year-old’s head.
Reportedly attempting to do the same with Lamine Yamal in the past, which Pep Guardiola confessed, Manchester City has expressed its interest in Kounde according to Hawkins.
“For several weeks, FC Barcelona and Jules Kounde have been negotiating a contract extension. A positive outcome is hoped for by all parties,” Hawkins tweeted.
“Manchester City and another top-tier club have made inquiries about the French international. Tied to Barça until 2027, the 26-year-old player is highly valued by the Catalan club, which considers him the best in the world in his position,” Hawkins added.
Kounde looks set to continue at FC Barcelona
The common consensus is that Kounde is happy with life at FC Barcelona and will continue there. Luckily for Culers, this means they should expect to see more of fantastic chemistry between the 2022 World Cup finalist and Lamine on the right flank moving forward under Hansi Flick.