Manchester City Initiates Talks with Barcelona Over Defender Jules Koundé
Manchester City have officially contacted Barcelona regarding a potential move for French defender Jules Koundé, according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins. The Premier League champions have expressed interest as they look to bolster their defensive options for the upcoming season.
The inquiry comes as Barcelona negotiates a contract extension with Koundé, whose current deal runs until June 2027. Both the player and the club are reportedly optimistic about reaching an agreement, but the growing interest from the English side may complicate talks.
City Interested in More Than One Barcelona Star
Koundé isn’t the only Barça player on City’s radar. Raphinha, the Brazilian winger, is also of interest to Pep Guardiola’s side, which is exploring high-level reinforcements after multiple departures this summer.
While City have not submitted a formal offer, their initial contact signals serious interest, and the situation may evolve quickly if Barcelona fails to secure the Frenchman’s renewal.
Koundé Remains Crucial to Hansi Flick’s Squad
Barcelona, under new head coach Hansi Flick, is keen to retain Koundé, who is considered one of the top right-backs in world football by the club’s hierarchy.
Last season, the 25-year-old started 50 of Barcelona’s 53 matches across all competitions, contributing four goals and eight assists his best season statistically since joining the club from Sevilla.
Consistent Performances Since Arrival from Sevilla
Koundé’s progression at Camp Nou has been steady. Below are his season-by-season statistics with Barcelona:
- 2022/2023: 40 games – 1 goal – 6 assists
- 2023/2024: 48 games – 2 goals – 4 assists
- 2024/2025: 53 games – 4 goals – 8 assists
His strong performances have solidified his reputation as a key figure in both domestic and European competitions, making him a valuable asset for Barça and a tempting target for Manchester City.
Barcelona Hoping to Renew Before Any Bid Emerges
Barcelona is pushing to finalize a renewal deal in the coming weeks, hoping to fend off any formal approach from City. While Koundé remains committed to the Catalan club, his future could hinge on the success of contract talks in the short term.
