Manchester City preparing €80 million offer for 26-year-old Barcelona ace – report | OneFootball

According to an update from Fichajes, Manchester City are preparing an ambitious €80 million offer for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.

With Kyle Walker having recently joined Burnley, Pep Guardiola is actively looking to reinforce the right side of his defence, and the French international tops the wish list.

Guardiola values Kounde’s versatility, defensive awareness, and composure, which has made the 26-year-old one of Europe’s most well-rounded defenders.

Under Hansi Flick, the Frenchman has grown into the right-back role and given his performances, Barcelona are no longer looking to reinforce the position this summer

Kounde is untouchable

Despite the huge figure being prepared by Manchester City, Barcelona are not looking to part ways with Kounde.

In fact, the club is currently engaged in talks to renew his contract. President Joan Laporta and the sporting department see Kounde as a cornerstone of their long-term project under Hansi Flick.

Barcelona are interested in Jules Kounde. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Barcelona understand that replacing a defender of his calibre would be extremely difficult in today’s market, especially given the shortage of top-class options.

Although selling him could provide much-needed financial relief, it would also weaken a defence that has already seen significant reshuffling in recent seasons.

Manchester City, on the other hand, are keen to close the deal quickly. Although they are exploring other options too, none offer the combination of experience, consistency, and versatility that Kounde does.

Barcelona face a crucial decision

The pressure is now on Barcelona. They must choose between accepting a lucrative deal that could ease some financial strain or holding on to one of their most reliable defenders as they continue rebuilding their squad.

City’s interest could be serious, and the offer, should it be made official, could be difficult to ignore.

But as things stand, Barcelona are firm in their stance that Kounde is not for sale. Whether that changes in the coming weeks may depend on both the financial offer and the progress of the player’s contract renewal.