Manchester City asked about Jules Koundé, confirms Barcelona chief Deco

Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed Manchester City enquired about full-back Jules Koundé over the summer.

City still need a long-term replacement for the departed Kyle Walker and asked Barca if France international Kounde was available.

Deco told Mundo Deportivo: “There was no offer. The only thing I do know is that City 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 explained it was a routine conversation during the window, adding: “If I know a sporting director of a club, I would call him and tell him we are looking [for a player] in that position and if you would consider a sale.

“As we have said from the beginning, the relationship with City, with [former sporting director] Txiki [Begiristain] and now with Hugo Viana who is my friend, is good and direct, without any intermediation that is not required.”

Manchester City still struggling to replace Walker

After being rebuffed by Barca, City failed to sign a specialist right-back and have been operating with Matheus Nunes or Abdukodir Khusanov in that role so far this season.

Kounde went on to sign a new five-year contract with Barcelona in August, following on from the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi and Pedri in committing his future to the club.

Upon signing, he said: “I’m very happy here, I feel comfortable in the team and I’m very motivated by the club’s ambition. 

“Every year we fight for all the titles and I have no intention of leaving.”

Kounde joined Barca from Sevilla in 2022 and has made a successful transition from centre-half to right-back over the past three years.

He has won two league titles and scored the winner as Barca won the Copa del Rey by beating Real Madrid in the final in April.