Did Man City try to sign Jules Kounde? Barcelona sporting director Deco reveals talks with Pep Guardiola's side over summer transfer before defender signed new contract

Back in July, reports claimed City had shown interest in Kounde while looking to fix their defence. The French defender was one of Barca’s top performers last season, playing a big role in Hansi Flick’s domestic treble-winning side and even scoring a decisive goal against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. At the same time, City endured their worst campaign under Pep Guardiola since 2016-17, ending the year without a major trophy and struggling badly in defence.

However, the rumours quickly ended when the Frenchman signed a new deal until 2030, extending his previous contract that was set to run through 2027. Meanwhile, City signed left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, sporting director Deco confirmed that City did check on Kounde’s availability in July. "No, there was no offer. The only thing I do know is that City, and now there's [new director of football] Hugo Viana and before that there was Txiki [Begiristain], were looking for a full-back, and of course they asked us if Koundé was on the market. And we told them no. So there was no offer or any negotiation."

Deco also added that the contact with City was direct and friendly. "If I know a sporting director from another club, I might call him and ask because we’re looking for someone in that position, and whether they think about selling him. As we’ve said from the start, our relationship with City, with Txiki and now with Hugo Viana, who is my friend, is good and direct, without any intermediaries that don’t exist."

Barca and City have stayed close in recent years, thanks to Guardiola’s ties and big-name moves like Ferran Torres, Sergio Aguero and Ilkay Gundogan.

After securing Kounde, Barcelona’s next priority is tying down Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder’s deal runs out next summer, but the club has already expressed confidence that fresh terms will soon be agreed. For Deco and the Barca hierarchy, keeping their core intact is the main focus as Flick looks to build on last season’s success.