Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are reportedly interested in Barcelona’s Jules Kounde for a potential transfer, according to Spanish outlet SPORT.
This season, Kounde has been generally used in the right-back position by Barcelona boss Xavi. The 24-year-old is keen to play in his natural position of central defence – even if it means departing the Catalonian giants in the summer transfer window.
A technically-gifted ball-playing defender, Kounde would slot very naturally into Manchester City’s back line. He is similar in many ways to Manuel Akanji, who has been a sleeper hit for the Citizens this season.
At 5ft 11, he is somewhat diminutive for a centre-half. Due to this, he would be best paired up with Ruben Dias, who can account for Kounde’s lack of aerial dominance.
Who else is interested in Jules Kounde besides Manchester City?
Of course, Manchester City are not the only ones in pursuit of Kounde’s signature. Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all also thought to be in the hunt.
Additionally, Newcastle United had registered an interest in the player previously, though their quest to bring the player to St. James’ Park appears to have gone cold.
Jules Kounde career summary
Kounde’s youth career began its life at Fraternelle Landiras – he also spent time with Cérons and La Brède before making the jump to Bordeaux’s academy in 2013.
He made his senior team debut at Bordeaux in 2017, going on to make 55 appearances for Le club au Scapulaire and scoring two goals. In 2019, he was snapped up by Sevilla for a fee of around £22 million.
After three impressive years with Sevilla, during which he won a Europa League trophy, Kounde was snapped up by Barcelona for an undisclosed fee.
Additionally, Kounde has won a handful of caps for his native France. So far, he has 20 caps for Les Bleus.
