In what has been described as an ‘unthinkable’ pursuit, Manchester City’s ambitions to bring Jules Kounde to the Etihad have been comprehensively thwarted by Barcelona.
The Catalan giants have reportedly ‘instantly rejected’ a €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons proposal, emphasising that Kounde will only part ways with the club for his staggering €1 billion release clause.
Despite an active summer transfer window for City, which has already seen significant investments such as Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki among others, their hopes of landing the talented French right-back remain bleak.
It is reported that Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is adamant about retaining Kounde, who is viewed as instrumental to the team’s future. President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco have issued a stern warning to any prospective suitors, reinforcing the seemingly insurmountable price tag attached to the player.
Meanwhile, City’s transfer operations progress with the confirmed re-signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley, as Pep Guardiola continues to refine his squad. Yet, the chance to secure Kounde could prove to be a bridge too far for the Premier League champions.
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