Man City asked about Jules Kounde but he was not for sale – Deco

Barcelona sporting director Deco has revealed that Manchester City enquired about the availability of French defender Jules Kounde during the summer transfer window.

The Catalan club, however, made it clear that the player was not for sale, and Kounde has since committed his future to Barcelona with a contract extension.

Kounde, born in Paris to a French mother and a Beninese father, holds dual nationality and retains strong links to both countries.

His heritage has often been highlighted alongside his footballing career, though he has consistently represented France at international level.

“There was no offer,” Deco told Mundo Deportivo. “The only thing I know is that City were looking for a full-back and asked us, naturally, if Koundé was on the market. We replied that he wasn’t. Therefore, there was neither an offer nor any negotiations.”

Reports earlier in the summer suggested Manchester City were preparing an €80 million bid to prise the 26-year-old away from Camp Nou.

Pep Guardiola, who lost long-serving full-back Kyle Walker to Burnley, was believed to have made Kounde his top defensive target.

City valued his versatility, composure and awareness, qualities that have made him one of Europe’s most complete defenders.

Under new manager Hansi Flick, Kounde has cemented his place on the right side of Barcelona’s defence, a role in which his consistency has persuaded the club not to pursue additional reinforcements.

President Joan Laporta and the sporting hierarchy view him as a cornerstone of their long-term project, and his contract renewal until 2030 underlined his importance.

Despite speculation of a record-breaking offer, Barcelona were never inclined to negotiate.

The club has undergone financial restructuring in recent years, but selling a player of Kounde’s calibre was deemed counterproductive to their sporting ambitions.

Replacing him would be extremely difficult in the current market, given the scarcity of elite defenders available.

Kounde, who joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022, has been integral in stabilising the club’s backline, combining defensive solidity with the technical skill required to initiate attacks.

His importance has only grown as the team continues its rebuild under Flick.

For Manchester City, Kounde represented a blend of experience and adaptability that few other targets could match.

Yet Barcelona’s firm stance meant Guardiola had to turn attention elsewhere, with Kounde effectively labelled untouchable.

By mid-August, Barcelona confirmed the defender’s extension through to 2030, closing the door on speculation and reinforcing their commitment to keeping him at the heart of their defence for years to come.