Manchester City will reportedly look to sign 26-year-old French international Jules Kounde from Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
According to an update by reputed French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Jules Kounde is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Citizens are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a versatile defender in the summer transfer window. So, the 26-year-old Barcelona utility man has emerged as a target for the Premier League club.
Manchester City and “another top-tier club” have submitted enquiries over a possible move for the Frenchman in the summer transfer window. However, Barcelona may not be open to parting ways with Kounde, with the Blaugrana negotiating a contract extension with the player’s entourage for several weeks.
Jules Kounde and his career transformation
Jules Kounde has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since joining FC Barcelona from Sevilla in July 2022. The 26-year-old was already among the finest players in La Liga during his spell with the Andalusian outfit, and he has come leaps and bounds at the Catalan club in the last three years.
The French international has turned out nearly 150 times thus far for Barcelona while chipping in with seven goals and 18 assists. In addition, Kounde is a mainstay at the back for Les Bleus. The player’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Manchester City will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Manchester City’s interest in Jules Kounde makes sense. The Citizens are scouring the market for a new right-back after allowing Kyle Walker to join Burnley earlier in the summer transfer window. In addition, Rico Lewis has yet to convince Pep Guardiola to install him as the first-choice right-back for Manchester City.
Several candidates, including Valentino Livramento, have emerged on Manchester City’s radar. However, recent reports have claimed that the Premier League giants have ruled out a summer move for the Newcastle United prospect. So, Kounde is a viable target, with Manchester City already submitting an enquiry over a possible move.
However, convincing Barcelona to part ways with Kounde may be a tall order, with the reigning La Liga champions keen on tying him to a new contract. So, Manchester City may have to look elsewhere for a new right-back this summer.