Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Even some of the key players in this FC Barcelona team have been linked with moves away from the club in the last few years as the Catalans continue to look for ways to get over their FFP problems.
The FC Barcelona Sporting Director, Deco, recently appeared in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, in which he was asked about the defender Jules Kounde, and whether Manchester City wanted to sign him. Responding to this question, the Portuguese official said:
“Look, wanting to sign a player is very subjective. No, there was no offer. The only thing I do know is that City — with Hugo Viana now and Txiki (Begiristain) before — 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 and no negotiation.”
“It’s like if I know a sporting director from some club and I call him because we’re looking in that position, I might ask if they consider a player for sale… As we’ve said from the start, the relationship with City, with Txiki and now with Hugo Viana, who is my friend, is good and direct, without any kind of non-existent intermediaries.”
SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 26: Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona looks on during the Copa del Rey Final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 26, 2025 in Seville, Spain.
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
It is easy to see why Barcelona were not open to allowing Kounde to leave last summer, even though it was clear that the Catalans needed to make some sales to gain some salary margin.
The €65 million-rated Frenchman had an excellent last season, and despite being penalized by Flick on some instances for disciplinary actions, he remained one of the most-used players in the Blaugrana squad.
Fortunately, the two sides were able to agree on a contract renewal, and with his new contract, Jules Kounde is now committed to Barcelona till 2030.