Manchester City keeps making moves ahead of next season. With Guardiola in charge, the English club is looking to strengthen its squad in several key positions to keep its dominance in England and aim once again for the Champions League. Among the manager's targets is a top-level defender, a key piece in the European elite, who has caught his attention for his consistency and versatility.
Guardiola believes City's backline needs a quality boost to face a demanding schedule. Injuries to some starters and the departure of veteran players have made it clear that the team needs reliable reinforcements. For this reason, the 'citizen' club has set out to explore the European elite market in search of a profile that combines defensive reliability and experience on big stages.
City goes after this Barça star
Guardiola's choice has been Jules Koundé, one of Hansi Flick's untouchables at FC Barcelona. The Frenchman, who is 26 years old, has had his most complete season since he arrived at Camp Nou, taking part in 53 official matches and standing out both as a center-back and as a right-back. His versatility, defensive aggressiveness, and ability to play the ball out from the back have convinced City's manager that he'd be an ideal reinforcement.
According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins from the French outlet RMC Sport, informal contacts have already taken place to gauge his signing. However, the wall was immediate: Barça isn't willing to negotiate. The Catalan club considers Koundé a key piece for the project and doesn't contemplate his departure under any circumstances, not even in the face of multi-million euro offers.
Rejection from Barcelona, and from the player himself
Koundé's response has been just as clear as the club's.The French international feels fully identified with Barça and with the project led by Flick. After a first year marked by inconsistency, he has managed to establish himself as an undisputed starter and doesn't intend to seek a change of scenery.
Moreover, the sporting management is already working to improve and extend his contract, which currently expires in 2027, with the idea of securing him until 2031. Manchester City, therefore, has encountered a unanimous rejection. Neither Barça nor Koundé will listen to offers, no matter how tempting they may be from England.
Guardiola will have to look for alternatives to strengthen his defense, while the French player prepares to take on an even more prominent role next season. His goal is clear: to lead the Barça backline and continue his growth under Hansi Flick's guidance.